伏せ字

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: Written 伏せ字 and read ふせじ, it is a masking character used to conceal part of a name or text that should not be disclosed.
• Basic usage: It appears in an article with a hidden personal name and in redaction before a manuscript is published.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Masking rather than simple deletion
  • It leaves visible evidence that text occupies the position while preventing the original characters from being read.