niche_japan2025 | Page 64

Why Doesn’t Louisville Have a Kanji Notation? How the City Is Viewed in Japan

In Japan, Louisville is consistently written in katakana. While the absence of kanji notation makes it visually simple, the city carries rich associations in Japanese minds. Through the Kentucky Derby, bourbon traditions, and college basketball, Louisville becomes more than a name—it becomes an image of culture and energy.

2025.09.08

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Can Memphis Be Written in Kanji? The Image of a City of Music and Sports as Seen by Japanese People

In Japan, foreign city names are usually written phonetically in katakana, and Memphis is no exception. The absence of kanji highlights how foreign sounds are preserved in Japanese writing. For Japanese people, Memphis carries layered meanings—from Elvis Presley and blues music to the civil rights movement and NBA basketball.

2025.09.08

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How Do Japanese People View Azabudai Hills? A Clear Guide to Local Opinions for Foreign Visitors

Located in central Tokyo, Azabudai Hills represents the city’s newest vision of urban living. Japanese reactions are mixed: many praise its harmony of architecture and nature, while others feel it is too luxurious for daily use. This article highlights these perspectives to help foreign visitors enjoy their trip more fully.

2025.09.08

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Explaining Japanese Views on Ghibli Park Made Simple! What Foreign Visitors Need to Know about Its Charms and Cautions

Since its opening, Ghibli Park has been embraced in Japan as “a cultural experience rather than a typical theme park.” Locals praise the immersive atmosphere and quiet charm but also note that those expecting thrilling rides may feel underwhelmed. Here, we present the authentic voices of Japanese visitors so that international travelers can enjoy the park with the right perspective.

2025.09.08

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Is Bangkok Written in Kanji as “曼谷”? Japanese Perceptions of the City

When Japanese people encounter the Kanji “曼谷”, they may not immediately connect it with Bangkok. Yet, the city itself leaves a lasting impression. Japanese perceptions combine positive aspects such as affordability, rich cultural experiences, and welcoming people with challenges like traffic congestion and urban intensity, forming a balanced and realistic view of Bangkok.

2025.09.08

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Is Jakarta Written in Chinese Characters as “雅加達”? The Image Japanese People Have of Jakarta

The city of Jakarta has been known in Japan since the 16th century under the name "Jagatara." Later, it became widely written in Chinese characters as "雅加達." These different notations reveal not only historical exchanges but also how Japan has continuously shaped its image of the city, from the era of trade and letters to modern sports and business.

2025.09.08

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Unique Japanese Perspectives on the Alhambra Palace: Eastern Sensibilities Reflected in Garden Beauty and the Art of Calligraphy

The Alhambra Palace, one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks, captivates all who visit. For Japanese travelers, the impression lies in the harmony between grandeur and tranquility. This perspective provides fresh insights for international visitors, allowing them to see the palace in a new light.

2025.09.08

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Japanese Reflections on the Anne Frank House – A Unique Perspective Shaped by Wartime Experience

The Anne Frank House is one of the most symbolic places of World War II. Japanese visitors often respond differently, influenced by their own wartime history and a literary culture that values personal reflection.

2025.09.08

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Detroit Without a Kanji Identity? Perspectives from Music, Sports, and the Auto Industry

In Japanese, Detroit is expressed exclusively in katakana, without any official kanji form. This reflects Japan’s practice of adopting katakana for foreign place names. However, the city’s meaning extends beyond its writing. For Japanese, Detroit stands as an industrial landmark, a symbol of hardship, and a center of music and sports that continue to influence perceptions today.

2025.09.08

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Where to Find Delicious Ramen in Gunma?

Gunma Prefecture may not be the first place that comes to mind for ramen, but it is a hidden gem filled with exceptional noodle shops. From refined soy-based broths to hearty pork tonkotsu styles, the ramen scene in Gunma offers something for every taste. In this article, we introduce four highly acclaimed ramen shops that are well-loved by both locals and travelers alike.

2025.09.08

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