LOANWORD

The kanji "布拉格" symbolizes more than just a phonetic translation of Prague. For Japanese travelers, it reflects the city’s timeless architecture, cultural richness, and sporting passion. Whether strolling through cobblestone streets or cheering in a stadium, Prague leaves lasting impressions that go beyond tourism.

Represented in kanji as “里昂,” Lyon captivates Japanese visitors not only with its world-class cuisine but also with its UNESCO-listed old town, vibrant festivals, and international sports scene. It is a city where tradition and modernity coexist.

The name “Cabo Verde” comes from Portuguese explorers who once described the land as a “Green Cape.” In Japanese, the country’s name is expressed in katakana, while Chinese uses the kanji “佛得角.” Beyond its written form, Cabo Verde represents a hidden paradise, a nation of music, and a rising force in sports, shaping how Japanese people perceive this island nation.

In Japanese, Brunei is written in katakana and does not have a fixed kanji notation, while in Chinese it is expressed as 文莱. For many Japanese people, Brunei remains unfamiliar, but perceptions of wealth, calmness, hidden tourism appeal, and growing sports exchanges shape how the country is viewed.

Located in the American Southwest, New Mexico is associated among Japanese people with the deserts of the West, the art of Santa Fe, and also with the Roswell Incident and college sports.

Mississippi is often introduced to Japanese audiences not through geography lessons, but through culture—blues music, Civil Rights history, and the legendary river that bears the same name. While everyday familiarity is limited, the state carries powerful symbolic weight in Japanese imagination, blending art, struggle, and Southern tradition.

La Paz is known as one of the world’s highest-altitude capitals, yet in Japanese it is written only in katakana with no official kanji form. Beyond its name, the city captures Japanese interest through its vibrant Andean traditions, political activity, and unique sports culture. For many in Japan, La Paz is not just a distant capital but a place that embodies peace, struggle, and endurance.

Easy to learn yet impossible to master, Go is one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating board games. With its origins in ancient China, the game spread throughout Asia and eventually reached the entire world. Played by children, adults, and even artificial intelligence, Go represents both tradition and innovation in the realm of intellectual competition.

The name Casablanca evokes a variety of images in Japan. From the classic film “Casablanca” to the graceful white lily of the same name, and even the passionate world of football in Morocco, the city represents more than just a place. Though no Kanji form exists, and the Chinese “卡薩布蘭卡” is merely a sound-based rendering, the word Casablanca carries special meaning and charm in Japanese culture.

The Brazilian city of Manaus is known to travelers as the starting point for Amazon exploration. At the same time, it gained worldwide recognition as a venue for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. While there is no kanji representation in Japanese, its sound and historical background leave a distinct impression on the Japanese imagination.