Written in the Heian period, Shinsenjikyo was the first radical categorized ancient dictionary in Japan to overhaul the radicals of Han characters. Domestic scholars got new progress in various aspects of its research. However, they have neglected the radical research of Shinsenjikyo, and there was a lack of discussion on the source of its new radicals and the basis for transforming them. First, this article attempts to discuss the radical reform method of the book. Shinsenjikyo has made various transformations and adjustments to radicals, including changing the arrangement of radicals, adding new radicals, reducing the number of radicals, and readjusting the returned characters. Next, this article discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the Shinsenjikyo in the treatment of radicals. Through these discussions, we can see the differences between Chinese and Japanese ancient dictionaries and it will also help us have a clearer understanding of their relationships and characteristics.

• 廖曉琴(四川大學) | Xiaoqin LIAO