noun
substitute kanji; replacement character
A rare technical term in Japanese lexicography or text editing. Refers to a kanji used in place of another with the same meaning, often due to simplification, standardization, or personal preference. Not a common everyday word.
古い文献では、「書換字」として別の漢字が使われていることがある。
In old documents, a different kanji is sometimes used as a substitute character.
この辞書は書き換え字の情報も載せている。
This dictionary also includes information on substitute kanji.
異体字 refers to variant character forms (different shapes for the same character), while 書き換え字 is about using a completely different kanji with the same meaning.
同訓異字 are different kanji that share the same Japanese reading but may have different nuances; 書き換え字 specifically implies intentional substitution in a text.
Compound of 書き換え (rewriting, replacement) + 字 (character). The term is transparent and likely coined in editorial or lexicographic contexts.