Paris, the capital of France, is sometimes written in Kanji as “巴里”. This form comes from the cultural practice of Ateji, where characters were chosen based on sound rather than meaning. For the Japanese, Paris has symbolized not only a physical city but also romance, art, and modern aspiration, shaping its image across generations.
The Origin of the Kanji “巴里”
“巴里” as Ateji
“巴里” is an example of Ateji, which represents foreign names in Kanji. The name came to Japan via China, and characters with similar sounds were chosen.
- Paris → 巴 (Pa) ＋ 里 (Ri)
This form made it easier to read within the Kanji cultural sphere and was widely used in newspapers and books as an authoritative expression.
Comparison with Other Cities
| Modern City | Kanji Notation | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| London | 倫敦 | Rinton |
| Berlin | 伯林 | Berin |
| Vienna | 維納 | Ina |
| Moscow | 莫斯科 | Mosukwa |
| Paris | 巴里 | Pari |
Many cities were written this way, though Katakana has since become the mainstream notation.
The Historical Background of “巴里”
Translation Culture in the Meiji Era
During the Meiji period, Japan rapidly adopted Western culture, and place names and concepts were translated or written in Kanji. Compared to Katakana, Kanji was easier to understand and conveyed intellectual authority, so it was frequently used in newspapers and academic writings.
Literature and Paris
| Author | Work | Role of Paris |
|---|---|---|
| Natsume Soseki | Sanshiro | Symbol of modernization and learning |
| Mori Ogai | The Dancing Girl | Stage for romance and cross-cultural experience |
| Ryunosuke Akutagawa | Essays and short stories | Depicted Paris as a city of art |
In literature, Paris (巴里) symbolized longing and romance, giving readers a vivid image of Western civilization.
The Japanese Image of Paris
City of Art and Fashion
Paris has long been known as the center of art and fashion, admired worldwide, and has been a particular object of Japanese admiration. Many Japanese artists studied in Paris and brought back new ideas that influenced Japan’s modernization.
How Japanese People Imagine Paris
| Aspect | Japanese Image | Actual Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Art | A city of artists | Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay |
| Romance | Romantic city | Walks along the Seine |
| Fashion | Global trendsetter | Paris Fashion Week |
| Lifestyle | Stylish and refined | Café culture, elegant streets |
Paris is both an idealized vision and a real cultural hub.
Paris as a Sporting Stage
Olympics and Paris
Paris is also historically significant as an Olympic host city. The Summer Olympics were held there in 1900, 1924, and most recently in 2024. This highlighted Paris not only as a cultural center but also as a global sports stage.
Soccer and Tennis in Paris
- Soccer: Paris Saint-Germain is a world-famous club, followed passionately in Japan.
- Tennis: The French Open, held annually at Roland-Garros, attracts Japanese fans and showcases Paris as a place of athletic passion.
Major Sporting Events in Paris
| Sport | Event | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | Paris Saint-Germain | Home to global star players |
| Tennis | French Open | Famous red clay courts |
| Rugby | International matches | Key hub for the French team |
| Olympics | Summer Games | Hosted in 1900, 1924, 2024 |
Through sports, Paris attracts not only tourists but also dedicated fans from Japan.
Conclusion
Writing Paris as “巴里” originates from the cultural tradition of Ateji, where Kanji were used to phonetically represent foreign names. The term spread widely through newspapers and literature during the Meiji and Taisho eras, becoming a symbol of longing and sophistication for the Japanese. Today, Katakana is more common, but the Kanji “巴里” still carries a sense of romance and cultural prestige.
Beyond art and fashion, Paris has established itself as a global sports stage, hosting the Olympics and major events in soccer, tennis, and rugby. Thus, Paris (巴里) continues to fascinate the Japanese and the world with its multifaceted charm.
