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I have noticed that “☆” appears in Japanese stories.

For example, the Japanese comic book titled “La☆BlueGirl”. The title is also
written as ラ・ブルー・ガール. I get the impression that “☆” is a stylish version of
“・”.

I have also observed that some Japanese have one character (usually a female
character) whose lines will contain “☆”. Does the symbol indicate the
character's personality? Does it help her to stand out from the other
characters?

If anyone can explain the significance of the white star, I would greatly
appreciate it.
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2020-01-19T00:56:33.440
73954
2020-01-19T09:19:39.517
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question
meaning symbols
What is the significance of the ☆ symbol?
The star symbols (☆★) have many distinct usages (from near-formal to informal)
as a pair of typographical symbols which were available from the first edition
of Japanese character set standard.

One of the usages of the white star can be named "pop-ification", which
contributes little to the meaning, but adds some overall atmosphere of an
outgoing kind of cheerfulness.

Your observation:

> “☆” is a stylish version of “・”

captures the essence very well. It is typically seen in [proper
names](https://dic.nicovideo.jp/a/%E2%98%86#h2-2) of songs, works, groups, and
people (pseudonyms). It doesn't need to replace a specific symbol, but can be
inserted in the middle of any conceived "breaking point" as if a versatile
divider (聖☆おにいさん or even 遊☆戯☆王).

The second example you mentioned is something like a sentence-final emoticon.
It gives the (often exaggerated) impression of "sunshine", "life of the
party", "kawaii", "airhead", "(feigned) innocent", and so on, attributed to
either the person's character or the tone of speech. Cf.
[キラッ☆](https://dic.nicovideo.jp/a/%E3%82%AD%E3%83%A9%E3%83%83%E2%98%86)

Examples from BCCWJ:

> や〜ん☆ 美味しいよぉ〜☆ お肉柔らか〜い☆ オクラがネバネバしてな〜い☆  
>  手づくりの雰囲気たっぷりの、ステキ空間☆  
>  転載の場合は、コピーして貼り付け出来ます☆  
>  熱く語りながらのディナー☆ 楽しかったです☆☆☆

As an aside, while ☆ stands for the "light side" (mainstream) of such
emotions, the black variation ★ is often employed for the "dark side" (nerdy,
中二病) counterpart.
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2020-01-19T05:36:49.830
73958
2020-01-19T09:19:39.517
2020-01-19T09:19:39.517
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answer