niche_japan2025

The Chinese-derived Kanji “柬埔寨” refers to Cambodia. Japanese people perceive this country through tourism, history, culture, and sports, forming a multifaceted relationship that extends beyond simple impressions.

In Japanese, Manila has no kanji notation, yet in Chinese it is written as “马尼拉.” Beyond this linguistic detail, the city carries varied meanings for Japanese people. It is seen as a gateway for tourism, a place of caution due to security, a hub for business expansion, and a vibrant sports city. These overlapping impressions demonstrate how Manila’s image has evolved.

In Chinese, Kuala Lumpur is written as 吉隆坡, a name that symbolizes luck, prosperity, and cultural ties. While this may appear unusual to Japanese readers, the meaning resonates with the city’s role as a hub of tourism, education, business, and international sports. For Japanese, Kuala Lumpur is often imagined as a place of affordable living, diverse cuisine, and global connections.

Singapore is officially written in Chinese characters as “新加坡”, but past texts reveal diverse forms. For Japanese people, Singapore is more than a notation—it is a safe, multicultural city known for tourism, business, and comfortable living.

While Brazil as a nation is familiar to Japanese people through soccer, coffee, and immigration, its capital, Brasília, remains far less known. With no established kanji name, Brasília carries an image of being a planned political city rather than a cultural or tourist hub.