LOANWORD

Dortmund stands as a fusion of economy, culture, and sport in western Germany.Its name—written in Katakana in Japanese and as a phonetic Han transcription in Chinese—illustrates how language mirrors cultural identity.For Japanese people, Dortmund represents a sense of pride and emotional connection born through football.

There is no Kanji representation for “Essen”, but this city’s story speaks volumes.Located in the Ruhr region of Germany, Essen evolved from an industrial powerhouse into a vibrant cultural and sports hub that won recognition as the European Capital of Culture in 2010.Its journey of transformation offers powerful lessons for Japan, where many local cities seek new ways to balance tradition and progress.

Wabi-Sabi is the Japanese art of finding beauty in silence, transience, and acceptance. It is not about seeking perfection, but about embracing the flow of change and finding peace within impermanence. In a modern world filled with noise and haste, this timeless philosophy offers a path to inner stillness.

Gliding through the night, Dekotora (Decoration Trucks) shimmer like sculptures of light.Behind their dazzling appearance lies Japan’s spirit of craftsmanship and passion for creativity, captivating people around the world.

Written in Chinese as “杜塞尔多夫” but known in Japanese as デュッセルドルフ, this German city has captured the imagination of many Japanese visitors. Blending business sophistication with creative energy, Düsseldorf stands as a rare example of a city that leads both industry and culture on the world stage.

As Germany’s sixth-largest city, Stuttgart is celebrated as a fusion of technology and culture.To many Japanese, it represents a place of calmness and quiet strength, a harmony rarely found in modern cities.Though it has no Kanji equivalent, the meaning behind its name—“Horse Field”—reflects the city’s spirit of pride and motion.

Founded in the Roman era, Cologne is a city where two thousand years of history and art live side by side.In Japan, it is sometimes written as “歌倫,” a kanji form that echoes the melody and warmth of the city’s spirit.In this feature, we explore Cologne through the lenses of art, sports, and international connection.

Sudoku, born in Japan, is easy to start yet endlessly challenging.Its elegant balance between simplicity and complexity is what makes it beloved across generations and cultures.

The word “Kohai” is a key concept for understanding Japanese culture and relationships. Whether in school or at work, people are expected to respect those who came before them and learn through their guidance. The “Kohai” culture represents the Japanese spirit of valuing others and growing together.

Nantes is renowned as the birthplace of the Edict of Nantes, which brought an end to France’s religious wars. Yet, the city’s appeal extends far beyond its past. Today, Nantes shines as a creative hub where art and sports thrive side by side, capturing the attention of people around the world.