niche_japan2025

While Namibia is usually written in katakana in Japanese, the phonetic transcription “納米比亜” reveals Japan’s historical approach to foreign names. Beyond this linguistic curiosity, Japanese people associate Namibia with the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, and international sports achievements, reflecting a multidimensional image of the nation.

The name “Swaziland” was used for many years, but today the official name is “Eswatini.” Known as a small kingdom where tradition and modernization coexist, the country presents a unique identity. While many Japanese still remember the old name, recognition of the new name is steadily growing.

In Japan, U.S. states are rarely given kanji notations. Missouri is always expressed in katakana, reflecting Japan’s unique approach to foreign names. While its recognition is not as strong as California or New York, Missouri is associated with rich history, sports teams, and cultural landmarks. Here, we dive into both the linguistic reasons behind its notation and the broader image Japanese people hold of the state.

Located next to Washington, D.C., Maryland is known as a state that supports the political center of the U.S. In Japan, it is written as “メリーランド州” and is also recognized for its academics, food culture, and sports. This article introduces its multifaceted appeal from a Japanese perspective.

While Saint Petersburg is commonly written in katakana, the alternative form “聖ペテルブルク” has long appeared in dictionaries and historical texts in Japan. Today, Japanese perceptions go far beyond language: the city is admired for its artistic treasures, its role in world sports, its presence in literature, and its distinctive cuisine.