niche_japan2025 | Page 67

Vienna Written in Kanji as “維納”? Japanese Perceptions of the City of Music and Arts

For the Japanese, Vienna is more than just a European capital—it is a symbol of art, music, and elegance. Once written as “維納,” the city’s name carried with it an aura of grandeur and timeless tradition. From classical composers to modern sports events, Vienna embodies a city that the Japanese continue to view with fascination and reverence.

2025.09.07

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Is Amsterdam Written in Kanji as “阿特堤”? Japanese Impressions of the City of Canals and Freedom

For Japanese travelers, Amsterdam represents a city of many layers: canals, museums, bicycles, and sports. Its Kanji name, “阿特堤”, reflects not only phonetics but also the essence of the city’s history. By looking at this rare representation, we can better understand why Japanese people imagine Amsterdam as a place of creativity, vitality, and openness.

2025.09.06

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Japanese Perspectives on Moomin: Emotions of Healing and Nostalgia

For Japanese audiences, Moomin is not just a character from a story—it is a companion in daily life. First introduced widely through anime, it has become associated with comfort, seasonal beauty, and a sense of childhood innocence. Understanding these impressions helps foreign readers appreciate the cultural background that shapes how Japanese people relate to Moomin.

2025.09.06

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Japanese Perspectives on Walt Disney World Resort: How Does It Compare to Tokyo Disney Resort?

When Japanese guests visit Walt Disney World, they often feel that they have stepped into a completely different world. From the sheer size of the resort to the distinct cultural atmosphere, the experience goes beyond expectations, leaving lasting impressions that differ greatly from those of Tokyo Disney Resort.

2025.09.06

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Is Bern Written in Kanji as “伯恩”? The Multifaceted Image Japanese People Have of Bern

In Japanese, the city of Bern is almost exclusively referred to in katakana as “ベルン,” while in Chinese it appears as “伯恩.” These variations highlight how language shapes perception. For Japanese people, Bern is not just a capital city—it is a symbol of timeless European heritage, a hub of international culture, and a center of sports enthusiasm.

2025.09.06

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Stockholm in Kanji? Exploring Historical Transcriptions and How Japanese People View the City

Stockholm, often called the “City of Water,” is admired not only for its beauty but also for its role as a center of culture, sustainability, and sports. In Japan, while historical kanji transcriptions exist, katakana is now the standard. This linguistic shift mirrors how Japanese people perceive the city: modern, sophisticated, and future-oriented.

2025.09.06

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Madrid in Kanji: The Meaning of ‘馬徳里’ and Japanese Impressions of the City

The use of Kanji for foreign cities was once common in Japanese publications, and Madrid became known as “馬徳里.” Beyond being a phonetic transcription, it offers a window into how Japan historically perceived the world. Today, Madrid symbolizes soccer excellence, artistic grandeur, and lively traditions in the minds of Japanese people.

2025.09.06

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Why is Moscow Written as “莫斯科” in Chinese Characters? What Image Do Japanese People Have of Moscow

The Chinese rendering of Moscow as “莫斯科” reflects a system where characters are selected for their sounds rather than meanings. This phenomenon highlights the cultural differences between languages and how they capture foreign identities. For Japanese audiences, Moscow embodies layers of history, art, modern urban development, and international sports significance.

2025.09.06

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Japanese Perspectives on Peanuts: Why Snoopy Inspires Empathy

While Peanuts is often praised in America for its satire and philosophy, in Japan it is cherished for its healing presence and cuteness. This article highlights the unique Japanese perspective, offering insights that may surprise foreign readers.

2025.09.06

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What Is the Unique Japanese Appreciation of Toy Story? The Values Behind Friendship and Farewell

Japanese audiences interpret Toy Story not only as a tale of friendship and bonds but also by connecting it to unique cultural traditions and values. By learning about this perspective, foreign viewers can enjoy the film with even greater depth and richness.

2025.09.06

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