Kakko

Kakko is a Japanese term referring to a specific type of punctuation mark known as the brackets or parentheses in Western typography. The term "kakko" (括弧) encompasses several different forms used in Japanese writing systems to enclose additional information, clarify context, or denote annotations within text. The most common types include "maru kakko" (丸括弧), equivalent to round brackets or parentheses, and "kaku kakko" (角括弧), similar to square brackets.

In Japanese, maru kakko (【】 or（）) are frequently used in various contexts such as quotations, citations, or to emphasize specific sections of text. Square brackets, kaku kakko, are often employed in technical writing, translations, or to indicate editorial notes. There are also other forms such as "kenkakko" (〈〉), angular brackets used for quotations or technical symbols.

Kakko serve multiple functions in Japanese and other East Asian texts. They help organize complex information, clarify relationships within sentences, and improve visual readability. In digital and typesetting contexts, kakko are integrated into Unicode standards, allowing for consistent use across digital platforms.

In modern usage, the selection of specific kakko types depends on stylistic preferences, publication standards, and the particular function within the text. The correct application of kakko ensures clarity and proper structuring in written communication, especially in fields such as literature, academia, and technical documentation. Despite the different forms, all kakko share the common purpose of delineating and highlighting parts of the text to aid understanding.

Understanding the various types and functions of kakko is essential for accurate Japanese text interpretation and proper typesetting in multilingual documents.