No more ephemeral than Chinese characters ever were (some were ephemeral, some durable). For example, the list of Kanji to be taught in Japan is updated period

No more ephemeral than Chinese characters ever were (some were ephemeral, some durable). For example, the list of Kanji to be taught in Japan is updated periodically -- some characters are dropped, some are added. New Han/Kanji characters are invented occasionally -- it can be done because they are actually simplified drawings with one or more root characters and pen strokes added to distinguish them from other similar characters.