LOANWORD

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.

Foreigners may wonder why Dhaka appears as 达卡 in Chinese while in Japanese it is simply ダッカ. The answer lies in the different writing systems and cultural traditions of the two languages. This article highlights the reasons for this difference and shows how to avoid misunderstandings when learning Japanese or Chinese.

In 2011, South Sudan declared independence, marking its place as the world’s youngest nation. Interestingly, in Japanese it can be written not only in katakana but also as "南蘇丹". This article explores the origin of this kanji form and the way South Sudan is perceived in Japan, from conflict-related images to future possibilities.

While most Japanese now recognize Buenos Aires in katakana, there is a fascinating history behind its kanji notations. From 阿根廷 used in older Japanese texts to 布宜诺斯艾利斯 in Chinese, these characters reflect cultural adaptation across Asia. For Japanese people, Buenos Aires is not only a distant city but also an image of romance, art, and football fever.

For the Japanese, Istanbul has long been seen as a gateway between East and West. Once called “斯当歩児” in kanji transcription, the city carries with it layers of historical memory, cultural fascination, and sporting passion. Today, Japanese perceptions of Istanbul go beyond textbooks, extending to tourism, cuisine, and the emotional intensity of football.

In Japanese, the city of San Jose is sometimes written as “聖ホセ,” a blend of Kanji and Katakana. This style reflects not only the Spanish origin of “San José” but also the Japanese tendency to preserve both sound and meaning in place names. By learning this, we gain a deeper understanding of the city’s religious background and linguistic adaptation.