LOANWORD

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.

While Brazil as a nation is familiar to Japanese people through soccer, coffee, and immigration, its capital, Brasília, remains far less known. With no established kanji name, Brasília carries an image of being a planned political city rather than a cultural or tourist hub.

In Japanese, Milwaukee has no kanji transcription and is represented exclusively in katakana. While less famous than cities like New York or Los Angeles, Milwaukee is remembered in Japan for its beer heritage and sports teams, especially the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. This dual identity gives the city a distinct presence in Japanese perception.

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is usually written in katakana in Japanese. Yet, few know that it can also be rendered as “倭塔瓦” in kanji. This article explains the background of this rare transcription and explores the images, attractions, and sports culture that shape Japanese perceptions of Ottawa.

Hanoi is more than just the capital of Vietnam—it is a city where history, culture, and daily life converge. Known in Kanji as "河内," symbolizing its riverside origins, it carries centuries of tradition. To Japanese people, Hanoi represents a blend of ancient dignity, culinary richness, and modern warmth, making it a uniquely familiar and welcoming destination.

Although Baltimore is internationally known as a historic port city, it is not widely recognized in Japan. Written in katakana rather than kanji, the city leaves Japanese people with a unique and sometimes complex impression, shaped by its sports culture, literary ties, and waterfront identity.