LOANWORD

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.

Beyond its role as an agricultural powerhouse, Iowa is a state rich in culture, politics, and sports. In Japan, its kanji representation “愛荷華州” conveys a sense of warmth and elegance. Japanese people tend to view Iowa as a place of hardworking values, educational excellence, and sporting pride.

For Japanese people, Nevada is not only associated with Las Vegas casinos and shows, but also as a stage for world-class sports events. Nevada blends city life with nature, and entertainment with sports, leaving Japanese visitors with a powerful impression.

Located on the Atlantic coast of Cameroon, Douala is a port city known for its energy and diversity. For Japanese people, Douala is not widely familiar, yet it stands as a symbol of West Africa’s economic power and vibrant cultural life. From international trade to soccer fever, Douala continues to shape impressions beyond Africa.

Although Hamburg is written as “漢堡” in Chinese, the Japanese language does not adopt this kanji representation. Instead, it is widely written as “ハンブルク.” Beyond the question of representation, this article highlights the multiple layers of Hamburg’s image in Japan—as a vibrant port city, a hub of music and culture, and a city celebrated for sports and history.

Utah, the 45th state of the United States, is referred to in kanji as “猶他州.” For Japanese people, this unique name is associated with vast natural landscapes, world-class ski resorts, education, and economic opportunities, giving Utah significance that goes beyond being a travel destination.

The state of Connecticut is often associated by Japanese people with elite education, elegant living, and a peaceful environment. Its kanji form “康乃狄克州,” derived from Chinese phonetics, adds a layer of cultural symbolism. To the Japanese perspective, Connecticut represents a blend of intellectual life, natural beauty, and sporting vitality, creating a multifaceted image of the state.

The state of Oklahoma is represented in kanji as “俄克拉何馬,” a phonetic transcription of its English name. Though unfamiliar to many, Japanese impressions of Oklahoma extend far beyond geography. They include grand natural landscapes, strong Native traditions, music and theater, and the energy of sports. This piece examines these layered associations in detail.

For Japanese speakers, the name "Kano" conveys both familiarity like a personal name and exoticism as a foreign city. Beyond its linguistic resonance, Kano’s presence in sports, especially football, enhances its recognition on the global stage.