LOANWORD

The use of Kanji for foreign cities was once common in Japanese publications, and Madrid became known as “馬徳里.” Beyond being a phonetic transcription, it offers a window into how Japan historically perceived the world. Today, Madrid symbolizes soccer excellence, artistic grandeur, and lively traditions in the minds of Japanese people.

The Chinese rendering of Moscow as “莫斯科” reflects a system where characters are selected for their sounds rather than meanings. This phenomenon highlights the cultural differences between languages and how they capture foreign identities. For Japanese audiences, Moscow embodies layers of history, art, modern urban development, and international sports significance.

In Japanese writing, Boston can appear as “波士敦” or “波士頓,” both rooted in phonetic transcription. Beyond the script, however, the city resonates with Japanese people as a symbol of prestigious universities, revolutionary history, and world-class sports. Boston is perceived not just as an American city, but as a place of global cultural significance.

For many Japanese, Washington, D.C. is perceived as a city of politics and history, rather than entertainment and glamour. Known in Kanji as "華盛頓" and sometimes referred to as "華府", the city represents a symbol of governance, learning, and cultural depth. At the same time, it is also a sports hub that connects people through shared passion and pride.

Known globally as a cultural and historical hub, Kolkata has a unique position in Japan’s imagination. While Chinese uses the transcription “加爾各答,” in Japanese the city is almost always written as コルカタ. Beyond its name, Kolkata evokes images of colonial heritage, Tagore’s literature, Mother Teresa’s humanitarian work, and passionate sports culture, shaping a city seen through many lenses by Japanese people.

When written as “巴里”, Paris takes on a character beyond geography. This Kanji notation reflects Japan’s historical adaptation of foreign words and carries with it layers of cultural meaning. For Japanese people, Paris is not only the “City of Light” but also a symbol of elegance, creativity, and international prestige.

The kanji “羅馬” reflects ancient cultural exchange. The Japanese see Rome as a symbol of civilization, remembering its grand ruins, masterpieces of art, and its role as a host of the Olympic Games.

The notation "伯林" carries connotations of dignity and nature. For the Japanese, Berlin symbolizes the Cold War and unification, while also standing out as a city of arts and music. Moreover, Berlin’s role as a stage for international sports adds another dimension, creating a multifaceted city image.

In Japanese writings, Seattle has been expressed with kanji transcriptions like “舎路” (Sharo) and “沙港” (Shakō). These are not official names but cultural reflections of how Japanese people perceived Seattle—sometimes as a distant foreign land, other times as a vital Pacific port. Over time, Japanese views have expanded to include Seattle’s identity in sports, technology, and global culture.

The kanji name 桑港 for San Francisco was not chosen at random. It combines a phonetic transcription with a symbolic reference to the city’s identity as a global port. For Japanese people, 桑港 has represented immigration challenges, fascination with Western culture, and admiration for sports icons—all of which continue to shape how the city is remembered.