LOANWORD

In Japanese writing, Kansas has no kanji notation and is expressed solely in katakana. The state’s name comes from the indigenous Kansa people, emphasizing its deep historical roots. For Japanese people, Kansas represents more than farmland. It is also a cultural symbol through The Wizard of Oz and a sports powerhouse through the University of Kansas Jayhawks and the Kansas City Chiefs. This combination of tradition and modern recognition makes Kansas unique in the way it is perceived from abroad.

Although Arkansas is not as famous in Japan as states like New York or California, it offers many surprising features. From rice production that resonates with Japanese food culture to hot springs rare in the United States, Arkansas holds attractions that remain largely unknown to Japanese travelers. This article uncovers these hidden aspects.

Although Shogi may seem complicated, it is a board game that can be fully enjoyed once you learn the basic movements and rules of the pieces. Unique systems such as the drop rule and promotion add tension and the possibility of comebacks. Even for first-time foreign learners, it offers a fascinating intellectual experience.

In many countries, a “futon” means a sofa bed or convertible mattress, but in Japan it is a traditional bedding style laid directly on the floor. This difference is more than just design; it represents different living cultures and values. Understanding futons is the first step to appreciating Japanese life.

Kanji are a rare type of logographic script, still widely used in China and Japan. While they may seem difficult for foreign learners, with the right methods, kanji can be easier to understand and even enjoyable to study.

In Japanese, Montenegro is written as “黒山” (Black Mountain), a name that reflects both its rugged mountains and symbolic cultural depth. For Japanese audiences, the country evokes images of hidden beauty, resilience, and strength, linking language with perception.

For Japanese people, Iceland is seen as both mystical and familiar. The kanji forms such as 氷島 and 氷州 highlight its icy landscape, while the phonetic transcription 愛斯蘭 shows historical ties in language. Beyond names, Japanese impressions of Iceland are shaped by auroras, hot springs, sagas, and soccer, making it a country admired for both mystery and resilience.

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is not only a base for world heritage sites and tourism but also a city that stands out for Japanese people because its name is impossible to write in kanji. From travel to sports, this article explains the multifaceted images that Japanese people hold of this city.

When Japanese people think of Kuwait City, they often imagine oil, skyscrapers, desert landscapes, and Islamic traditions. Unlike some countries or regions, Kuwait City has no established kanji form, making its identity strongly tied to its katakana name. In addition to its economic significance, Kuwait City is also associated with sports enthusiasm, cultural traditions, and modern development.

Port Harcourt, located in southern Nigeria, is known for its vital role in oil and energy exports. Yet in Japanese, the city’s name is represented only in katakana with no kanji equivalent. Beyond this linguistic aspect, Japanese people often associate the city with industry, security concerns, and unfamiliarity as a tourist destination. This article dives into both the notation and the perceptions.