LOANWORD

In Japanese writing, Dublin has no standardized kanji representation and is exclusively written in katakana. Despite this, the city evokes strong impressions among Japanese people. From world-renowned writers like James Joyce to the lively pub culture and international rugby matches, Dublin is seen as a city full of tradition, creativity, and passion.

In Japan, Athens is sometimes expressed with the kanji “雅典”, a term that combines refinement (“雅”) and scholarship (“典”). For many Japanese, Athens symbolizes philosophy, democracy, and the origins of the Olympic Games, creating a multi-layered image that blends history, culture, and sports.

When Japanese people encounter the name Colorado Springs, they usually see it written in katakana. Unlike some other foreign place names, there is no standard kanji representation. In this article, we take a closer look at the city’s name origin and meaning, while also uncovering the common images and impressions Japanese people hold of Colorado Springs.

Japan’s era name system represents a timekeeping method deeply tied to its imperial tradition and cultural memory. Unlike the Gregorian calendar or the Islamic Hijri calendar, Japan’s era names change with each emperor, marking not only the passage of time but also the spirit of an age. Comparing this with global systems reveals the distinctive role that tradition and symbolism play in Japanese society.

For many Japanese, Warsaw is more than just Poland’s capital. It is remembered as the city of Chopin, known worldwide for music, and at the same time as a place of sports passion with football clubs and national events. This dual image shapes how Japanese travelers and readers perceive the city today.

Unlike Morocco’s country name, which has been represented with kanji such as 摩洛哥 or 馬羅哥, the capital Rabat has no established kanji form. It is only written in katakana, shaping a perception that is both contemporary and simplified. For Japanese people, this absence of kanji adds a nuance: Rabat is seen not as an exotic destination like Marrakech or Chefchaouen, but rather as a political and cultural hub with a modern identity.

The capital city of Nigeria, Abuja, carries multiple layers of meaning for Japanese people. Written as “阿布加” in Kanji, it provides a sense of familiarity while remaining foreign and distant. Yet the reality of Abuja is far more complex—a modern planned city, a political center, and a hub for sports and diplomacy.

In Japanese writing, Nairobi has no kanji equivalent and is always expressed in katakana. While this reflects linguistic accuracy, the city itself sparks strong cultural images among Japanese people. Nairobi is viewed simultaneously as a hub of international business and a land close to nature and wildlife.

When Japanese people think of Cape Town, two contrasting images often emerge: a breathtaking city framed by Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, and a place marked by the struggles of apartheid and reconciliation. Unlike the nearby “Cape of Good Hope,” which is known in kanji as 喜望峰, Cape Town itself lacks a fixed kanji notation. This absence reflects not only linguistic history but also the unique way in which Japanese culture encounters foreign geography.

Unlike “New Zealand,” which has the kanji 新西蘭, the city of Wellington has no standard kanji notation. For Japanese people, this absence does not diminish its appeal. Instead, Wellington is imagined as a city of wind, art, rugby, and a relaxed lifestyle, creating a distinctive impression among Japanese observers.