niche_japan2025

Surat is internationally recognized as a center of diamond cutting and textile production, but its cultural presence in Japan remains limited. Beyond its economic power, Surat has also been developing as a hub for sports and community activities, creating new opportunities for connection. This article examines the multiple layers of Surat’s identity, from its kanji notation to its modern role in global culture.

The kanji “巴布亜新几内亜” is merely a phonetic rendering, yet it has a striking visual presence. Japanese perceptions of Papua New Guinea include rich natural landscapes, vibrant sports culture, and immense cultural diversity. This article examines how these impressions were formed and how they differ from reality.

In Japan, Togo is primarily known through football and international aid projects. While there is no kanji notation for its name in Japanese, Chinese represents it with the characters “多哥.” This article explains the contrast in notation and examines the perceptions and realities of Togo that remain little known in Japan.

When Japanese people hear "Tajikistan," they often imagine a country that is remote, mountainous, and culturally rich. Yet few know that its name can also be written in Chinese characters as “塔吉克斯坦.” This duality highlights Tajikistan as a place of hidden depth and unique international identity.