LOANWORD

Fresno stands as a central city in California’s Central Valley, known for being one of the largest agricultural regions in the world. In Japanese, however, it is most commonly written simply as “フレズノ” in katakana, with no commonly accepted kanji usage. For many Japanese, Fresno is imagined as a land of farming, study opportunities, and a gateway to natural wonders.

Sydney is represented in Kanji by both “悉尼” and “雪梨,” each carrying different cultural implications. “悉尼” is closer to the sound of “Sydney,” while “雪梨” resonates with a romantic and symbolic imagery. To Japanese people, Sydney embodies dream travel, harmony with nature, and a vibrant sports culture, shaping a multifaceted admiration for the city.

Carrying the history of immigration and evolving as a center of economy and culture, São Paulo, known in Japanese as “聖市,” is seen by Japanese people as a symbol of effort and prosperity, and also as a partner city for the future.

For many Japanese, Karachi is a relatively unfamiliar city. As a result, its image is often shaped by media coverage and economic news rather than direct experience. Understanding these perceptions offers insights into how Japanese people view South Asia.

When Japanese people hear the name Tucson, many picture deserts and cacti. In reality, Tucson is a city where nature, tourism, academia, and sports intersect, creating a rich and diverse identity. This article covers everything from the background of its kanji rendering “吐森” to the perceptions Japanese people hold about the city.

Unlike cities such as New York (紐育) or San Francisco (桑港), Albuquerque has no traditional kanji form in Japanese. Instead, it is recognized solely through katakana. For Japanese people, the city carries distinct impressions shaped by culture, media, and sports, making it both exotic and intriguing.

The Chinese-derived Kanji “柬埔寨” refers to Cambodia. Japanese people perceive this country through tourism, history, culture, and sports, forming a multifaceted relationship that extends beyond simple impressions.

In Japanese, Manila has no kanji notation, yet in Chinese it is written as “马尼拉.” Beyond this linguistic detail, the city carries varied meanings for Japanese people. It is seen as a gateway for tourism, a place of caution due to security, a hub for business expansion, and a vibrant sports city. These overlapping impressions demonstrate how Manila’s image has evolved.

In Chinese, Kuala Lumpur is written as 吉隆坡, a name that symbolizes luck, prosperity, and cultural ties. While this may appear unusual to Japanese readers, the meaning resonates with the city’s role as a hub of tourism, education, business, and international sports. For Japanese, Kuala Lumpur is often imagined as a place of affordable living, diverse cuisine, and global connections.

Singapore is officially written in Chinese characters as “新加坡”, but past texts reveal diverse forms. For Japanese people, Singapore is more than a notation—it is a safe, multicultural city known for tourism, business, and comfortable living.