How a Traditional Order Name Is Written In Japan

Added: 12/01/2005

The convention for writing Japanese names is surname followed by given name. The first order name, or surname, is the family name. The second order name is called a "lower name" which fulfills the same function as first name does in Western culture. Many entertainers in Japan take on clever professional names, but the name order remains the same regardless of whether the moniker is family-given or self-constructed.

Japanese names follow a fairly simple structure, but the name family order standard to Japanese society can seem difficult to comprehend if you are not familiar with it. Each Japanese person has one first name, which westerners often refer to as a "given name" although people of Japanese descent often refer to it as a "lower name" instead. In addition to the first names given to every Japanese child, each person has one last name, also known as a surname. The only exception to this order name convention is the royal family of Japan

The crown prince of Japan has no surname, nor does the emperor of the country. Royalty in Japan do not have surnames, but are differentiated in name from their predecessors entirely by their given names. However, very few people use the given names of the prince or emperor when referring to these personages. Instead, Japanese people simply call these people by their station.

For non-royal names written according to Japanese standards, the family name, aka the surname, precedes the given name, or first name. The only complications with this system is that there are a small number of Japanese names which can be used both as lower names and family names. When you encounter a written name which you are not certain how to decipher for this reason, just assume that the first order name is the family name, and the second order name is the given name. This rule of thumb works universally, as there are no complications resulting from confusing middle names. Middle names are rare in Japan, making name family order a snap to remember and understand.

Many names which you will encounter often in Japanese culture are not traditional family names or given names, but names chosen and assumed by the professionals who bear them. The style of these names varies widely from field to field and from person to person, but in general professional names are looser and less restrictive than traditional names. Often, these new names incorporate words from the English language, or even some subtle punning. A play on words which describes the name-bearer is not uncommon.

In addition to actors, actresses, comedians, craftspeople and their ilk, one of the less expected groups of people who commonly take on new names to suit their profession is sumo wrestlers. Sumo wrestlers choose a variety of new names, and there is a surprisingly complex caste system associated with how they choose to christen themselves with their new identities.

People who throw off their own lower names and surnames in favor of self-constructed monikers include comedians, actors and other entertainers. Some craftspeople also take on new names as they become masters of their trade, sort of like creating a brand which their work will be associated with. These catchy assumed names make sense for entertainers and craftspeople who make their livelihood by being memorable to the public.

Even with these new names, order name retains the same traditional Japanese formality of a surname followed by a given name.

Rate this article:

Bad

Good

Article comments:

No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!

Return to top of the page