niche_japan2025

In Japanese writing, Boston can appear as “波士敦” or “波士頓,” both rooted in phonetic transcription. Beyond the script, however, the city resonates with Japanese people as a symbol of prestigious universities, revolutionary history, and world-class sports. Boston is perceived not just as an American city, but as a place of global cultural significance.

For many Japanese, Washington, D.C. is perceived as a city of politics and history, rather than entertainment and glamour. Known in Kanji as "華盛頓" and sometimes referred to as "華府", the city represents a symbol of governance, learning, and cultural depth. At the same time, it is also a sports hub that connects people through shared passion and pride.

Known globally as a cultural and historical hub, Kolkata has a unique position in Japan’s imagination. While Chinese uses the transcription “加爾各答,” in Japanese the city is almost always written as コルカタ. Beyond its name, Kolkata evokes images of colonial heritage, Tagore’s literature, Mother Teresa’s humanitarian work, and passionate sports culture, shaping a city seen through many lenses by Japanese people.

When written as “巴里”, Paris takes on a character beyond geography. This Kanji notation reflects Japan’s historical adaptation of foreign words and carries with it layers of cultural meaning. For Japanese people, Paris is not only the “City of Light” but also a symbol of elegance, creativity, and international prestige.

The kanji “羅馬” reflects ancient cultural exchange. The Japanese see Rome as a symbol of civilization, remembering its grand ruins, masterpieces of art, and its role as a host of the Olympic Games.