ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Genkō yōshi

Genkō yōshi is a special kind of paper that people in Japan use to write in a formal style. It looks similar to the graph paper we use in school, with a grid pattern on it.

But unlike regular graph paper that we use for math, genkō yōshi is used for writing Japanese characters. Each box in the grid is meant to represent one Japanese character called 'kanji,' 'hiragana' or 'katakana.' It helps keep the writing neat and organized, and also makes it easier for the reader to understand.

People in Japan use genkō yōshi for writing letters, essays, and even books. When they write, they follow a set of rules like starting each new sentence on a new line and indenting the first character.

In summary, genkō yōshi is a special kind of paper with a grid pattern that helps people in Japan write neatly in a formal style using Japanese characters.
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