In 2018, Swaziland officially changed its name to Eswatini. In Chinese, it is written as “斯威士蘭” or “史瓦帝尼,” but in Japanese, katakana is the standard form. This article explores the background of the renaming, the image held by Japanese people, and also examines aspects of culture and sports.
The Difference Between Swaziland and Eswatini
For many years, the English colonial-era name “Swaziland” was used internationally. However, in 2018 the country officially adopted “Eswatini” in its native Swazi language. This was a turning point that symbolized reclaiming national identity at the 50th anniversary of independence.
| Name | Kanji form | Linguistic origin |
|---|---|---|
| Swaziland | 斯威士蘭 | Transliteration of English “Swaziland” |
| Eswatini | 史瓦帝尼 | Transliteration of Swazi “eSwatini” |
In Japanese, kanji is not used in official materials. Instead, katakana remains the standard writing form.
The Image Japanese People Have of Swaziland
The impressions Japanese people hold of Swaziland can generally be summarized in three points:
| Image | Background |
|---|---|
| A small, peaceful country | About the size of Shikoku, often portrayed as relatively stable |
| A country that preserves tradition | A monarchy where rituals and culture remain alive |
| A country with a memorable name | The unique sound of “Swaziland” leaves a strong impression |
Even after the renaming, the persistence of the old name is strongly tied to the “memorable sound” of Swaziland.
Historical Background and Features of the Monarchy
In the late 19th century, Swaziland became a British protectorate before later gaining independence. The English name lingered due to colonial influence, but renaming was carried out to highlight national pride.
Today, Eswatini is known as one of the few remaining absolute monarchies, where royal power extends into both politics and culture. From a Japanese perspective, it is often seen as “a traditional monarchy,” yet the country is also undergoing modernization. This coexistence of tradition and modernity creates a unique dual identity.
Swaziland Through the Lens of Sports
Sports form an important part of national identity. Football in particular enjoys enormous popularity, uniting the people through international competition.
| Sport | Features | Recognition in Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Football | Domestic leagues are active; national team competes internationally | Low |
| Athletics | Athletes have competed in the Olympics | Very little awareness |
| Boxing | Used for youth development and education programs | Almost unknown |
Despite its small size, the nation’s determination to appear on the world stage conveys a positive image of “a country that keeps challenging regardless of scale.”
Tourism and Culture That Convey the Nation’s Character
Tourism and cultural heritage are the aspects most often highlighted in Japan. Safaris and traditional ceremonies are especially well remembered.
| Tourism resource | Features |
|---|---|
| National parks | Home to elephants and rhinos, offering safari experiences |
| Reed Dance | A large-scale ceremony where young women dance in traditional attire |
| Handicrafts | Wood carvings and textiles are popular souvenirs |
These elements reinforce the Japanese perception of Eswatini as “a country where nature and tradition coexist.”
From Swaziland to Eswatini: Future Recognition
In Japan, the old name “Swaziland” still feels more familiar, but in the future the name “Eswatini” will likely spread through diplomacy and sports. International appearances, such as the Olympics, will naturally promote the new name.
As textbooks and media gradually adopt “Eswatini,” the renaming will become ingrained in public consciousness.
Conclusion
Swaziland is now officially known as Eswatini, with the Chinese kanji “史瓦帝尼,” though in Japanese, katakana is the standard form. Among Japanese people, the country is most commonly seen as “small and peaceful,” “a nation preserving tradition,” and “a country with a memorable name.”
Sports and tourism play key roles in expressing the country’s pride and uniqueness. Moving forward, Japan’s perception will likely shift to seeing Eswatini as “a country combining culture and ambition.” Although the old name remains widely used, the identity of Eswatini will steadily gain recognition.
