558 How do Japanese people think of names? #JapanesePodcast

Summary

In this episode, Leila from Bite Size Japanese explores the fascinating world of Japanese names, discussing cultural practices, historical shifts, and modern trends. She contrasts the Korean tradition of changing names to bring good fortune with Japan's former tradition, which is now prohibited. Leila shares insights into how names reflect social roles and personal experiences, drawing on examples like the film 'Silence.' The episode also touches on how modern Japanese names are chosen, highlighting trends like the decline of 'ko' endings and seasonal names, while still maintaining a connection to familiar naming patterns. Leila’s personal experience adds a relatable touch to this exploration of naming conventions.

Takeaways

• 😀 In Korea, it is common for people to change their names when bad things are happening, in hopes of improving their situation.
• 😀 In Japan, name-changing was once common, but it is now prohibited by law due to the introduction of family registers (koseki) about 100 years ago.
• 😀 The movie 'Silence,' directed by Martin Scorsese, showcases a period in Japan where missionaries and Japanese Christians were persecuted, and name changes were part of adapting to new roles in society.
• 😀 In the past, Japanese people could change their names multiple times throughout their lives, often to mark a new role or to bring luck during a difficult period.
• 😀 Around 100 years ago, the Japanese government started making it difficult to change names after implementing the koseki system, which records individuals within family units.
• 😀 In Japan today, changing one's first or last name is extremely rare, but it is still possible to change one's last name when getting married.
• 😀 When choosing names in Japan today, parents often select them based on sound, meaning, and the combination of kanji, with complete freedom in the naming process.
• 😀 While Christian names like 'Jack' or 'Adam' are commonly chosen in English-speaking countries, Japanese parents generally create unique names using kanji, hiragana, or katakana.
• 😀 Popular naming trends in Japan have shifted, with old-fashioned names like '子' (ko) suffixes or katakana names becoming less common in favor of names inspired by seasons, nature, or positive meanings.
• 😀 Despite the freedom in naming, most names in Japan are still familiar or resemble common names, with truly unique names rarely being used.

Q & A

Why do names in different cultures hold such significance?

Names often reflect the culture and customs of a society. In the case of Japan, the way names are given and changed reveals a lot about historical values and the importance of roles within a family or society.

What is the significance of changing names in Korean culture?

In Korea, it is common to change one's name during difficult times or when a person seeks a new beginning, such as after experiencing a series of misfortunes. This practice is seen as a way to invite better fortune.

How was name changing viewed in Japan before the modern era?

Historically in Japan, it was not unusual for individuals to change their names multiple times throughout their lives. This often happened when a person took on a new role or when they sought to change their fortune, especially after overcoming a major illness.

Why is changing names not common in Japan today?

The practice of changing names in Japan became less common about 100 years ago when the government introduced the family registry system (戸籍, koseki). This system registered individuals within a family unit, making it more difficult to change names without legal issues.

What role does a person's 'role' in society play in traditional Japanese naming?

In traditional Japan, a person's name was often tied to their social role, such as being a husband or head of a family. When a person assumed a new role, such as after a marriage or a significant change in their life, it was common to adopt a new name to reflect that role.

How does the film 'Silence' relate to name-changing traditions in Japan?

In 'Silence', the protagonist is forced to adopt the name of a deceased man in order to survive and protect his family. This reflects the historical practice in Japan where individuals would sometimes take on a new identity by adopting the name and role of someone else, often in a time of hardship.

What does the name 'Reira' (怜良) signify, and how was it chosen?

The name 'Reira' is composed of the kanji '怜' (rei), meaning 'clear-sighted' or 'pure of heart', and '良' (ra), meaning 'good' or 'kind'. It was chosen by the speaker's father, who liked the sound and wanted the name to convey positive, virtuous qualities.

Are there specific naming trends in Japan today?

Yes, certain trends influence naming practices in Japan. For example, names are often inspired by nature or seasons, such as 'Haru' for spring or 'Yuki' for snow. Additionally, the use of kanji characters is still prevalent, and there is a growing tendency to choose names that are meaningful and unique.

How does naming in Japan differ from naming in Western cultures, such as in Christianity?

In Japan, naming is highly personal and flexible, with the choice of kanji characters carrying specific meanings. In contrast, many Western cultures, particularly in Christianity, have naming traditions tied to religious texts like the Bible, where names are often selected based on saints, virtues, or biblical figures.

Why are there so many different surnames in Japan, and how common are the most popular ones?

Japan has about 100,000 different surnames, with the most common ones, such as 'Suzuki' and 'Sato,' being shared by many people. This diversity is a result of historical practices, including the adoption of surnames by commoners after the Meiji Restoration, and reflects the complex societal structure in Japan.