In Japan, Texas is written in katakana as “テキサス州,” while in Chinese-speaking regions it appears as “徳克薩斯州.” This difference is not just linguistic but also a factor that shapes cultural perception and imagery. For Japanese people, Texas symbolizes not only cowboys and barbecue but also oil and sports, representing its many diverse facets.
The Chinese Character Notation “徳克薩斯州”
In Chinese-speaking regions, there is a practice of converting foreign place names into Chinese characters based on their pronunciation. Texas follows this system and is written as “徳克薩斯州.”
・“徳” = Te
・“克” = Ki
・“薩” = Sa
・“斯” = Su
In this way, characters are chosen as phonetic substitutes. As in Japanese, the suffix “州” means “state,” so the complete form becomes “徳克薩斯州.”
Comparison of Notations
| Notation | Language | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| テキサス州 | Japanese | General geographic notation |
| 徳克薩斯州 | Chinese | Maps, newspapers, official documents |
| Texas | English | Original form |
In Japanese, Chinese characters are not used for Texas; katakana is the standard. The use of Chinese characters is a cultural feature unique to the Chinese-speaking world.
The Image Japanese People Have of Texas
Cowboy Culture and Westerns
Cowboy culture is considered the symbol of Texas. It is often portrayed as the setting of Western films, associated with ranches, horses, and country music.
Barbecue and Meat Dishes
When Japanese people hear “Texas,” they strongly associate it with barbecue. The long-smoked beef dishes are also recognized in Japan as “Texas-style barbecue,” representing bold and hearty American cooking.
Oil and Economic Power
Texas is rich in oil resources and is known as a center of the energy industry, making it a state that symbolizes wealth and economic strength.
Texas Food Culture
Texas food is hearty and full of regional character. While barbecue is its most iconic dish, Japanese people are also aware of other regional foods.
| Dish | Characteristics | Image in Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Barbecue | Long-smoked beef | Bold, typically American |
| Chili con carne | A stew of beans and meat | Spicy, powerful |
| Tex-Mex | Mexican-influenced cuisine | Exotic and stimulating |
These foods have influenced Japanese dining as well, and barbecue has become “the synonym for Texas.”
Texas and Its Strong Sports Presence
Texas is also a state with an extremely passionate sports culture. Its professional sports teams are famous across the United States and are a source of pride for local communities.
| Sport | Major Teams | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| American Football | Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans | Popular from high school to pro level |
| Baseball | Texas Rangers, Houston Astros | MLB teams with strong performances, often reported in Japan |
| Basketball | San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets | Home to global superstars and world-class popularity |
American football in particular is so important that it is said to be close to a religion. Even high school games fill large stadiums—a cultural phenomenon comparable to Japanese high school baseball.
Texas and Its Economic Image
Texas supports the American economy not only through energy but also through agriculture, technology, and aerospace industries.
| Industry | Characteristics | Image in Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Industry | A global hub for extraction and refining | Resource-rich state |
| Agriculture | Strong in cattle, cotton, and wheat production | Vast nature and ranches |
| Technology | Austin as a growing IT hub | A new “Silicon Valley” of America |
Thanks to these industries, Texas projects the image of a powerful and prosperous state in the minds of Japanese people.
The Different Impressions from Chinese Character Notation
For Japanese people, the notation “テキサス州” is familiar, but the Chinese “徳克薩斯州” adds a sense of solemnity and prestige. It shows how the same place can evoke different impressions depending on how it is written.
For instance, California is written as “加利福尼亜州” in Chinese. When Japanese people see this, they often feel a sense of exoticness, similar to how “徳克薩斯州” feels distinct compared to the katakana version.
Conclusion
In Japanese, Texas is written in katakana as “テキサス州,” while in Chinese-speaking regions it is written as “徳克薩斯州.” The image Japanese people have of Texas includes cowboy culture, barbecue, oil resources, and an intense sports culture.
By looking at the Chinese character notation, one can see how cultural perspectives shape impressions of the same state. And by considering sports and economics alongside culture, Texas is not merely seen as a “large state,” but rather as a symbolic place that represents culture, economy, and everyday life.
