Konnichiwa! My daughter asked me why Japan is called “Japan” in English instead of its native name, Nihon. Since I didn’t know for sure why, I decided to research and write a blog post to explain it! In this blog post, we will delve into the history behind the adoption of the name “Japan” and explore its linguistic variations in other languages.
The Origins of Nihon
To understand why Japan is known as “Japan” in English, we must first explore the native name of the country, Nihon. Nihon, which means “origin of the sun,” is derived from the Chinese characters 日 (ni), meaning “sun,” and 本 (hon), meaning “origin” or “source.” The name reflects Japan’s geographical location to the east of the Asian continent, where the sun rises.
European Trade Influence and the Emergence of “Japan”
Portugese Influence
The Portuguese development of their translation for the word “Japan” was influenced by their early encounters and interactions with the country during the 16th century. The Portuguese traders played a pivotal role in introducing Japan to the Western world and contributing to the name’s adoption in various languages.
Portuguese Exploration: During the Age of Discovery, Portuguese explorers embarked on voyages of exploration and trade, expanding their influence across different parts of the world. In 1543, Portuguese traders arrived in Japan, marking the first direct contact between the two cultures.
Portuguese Transliteration: When encountering the Japanese name for their country, the Portuguese traders employed their own system of transliteration to represent Japanese words in Portuguese writing. This transliteration aimed to bridge the linguistic gap between the Japanese language and Portuguese language, facilitating communication and trade.
Transliteration of “Japan”: In the case of the name “Japan,” the Portuguese developed their own version based on the pronunciation and phonetics of the Japanese word. They transliterated the Japanese word “Nihon” (にほん) or “Nippon” (にっぽん) into their own language, resulting in the name “Japão” in Portuguese.
English Adoption: The English language, being strongly influenced by Portuguese during the period of early Western exploration, adopted the Portuguese name “Japão” and Anglicized it to “Japan.” This adoption occurred as a result of the influence of Portuguese traders and scholars who introduced the term to the English-speaking world.
The Portuguese traders’ encounters and interactions with Japan played a significant role in introducing the country to the Western world and shaping the adoption of the name “Japan” in various languages. Their transliteration of the native Japanese word into Portuguese laid the foundation for the name’s dissemination and recognition.
It is important to note that the Portuguese transliteration of “Japan” was not a direct phonetic representation of the native Japanese pronunciation. Rather, it was an approximation that aligned with the phonetics and sounds of the Portuguese language at the time.
Dutch Influence
Following the Portuguese, the Dutch established trading relations with Japan in the 17th century. They referred to the country as “Japan” or “Japon” in their interactions. The Dutch development of their translation for the word “Japan” was influenced by their direct interactions and presence in Japan during the 17th century. The Dutch traders and scholars played a significant role in disseminating information about Japan to the Western world, including its name.
Dutch Trade Relations: The Dutch East India Company (VOC) established a trading post in Hirado, Japan, in 1609. This marked the beginning of extensive Dutch trade relations with Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). The Dutch traders had the unique opportunity to interact directly with the Japanese people and gain a deeper understanding of their language and culture.
Dutch Language and Transliteration: The Dutch traders, being highly educated and well-versed in various languages, including Latin and other European languages, developed their own system of transliteration to represent Japanese words in their own writing. This system aimed to bridge the gap between the Japanese language and Dutch language, enabling effective communication and exchange of information.
Transliteration of “Japan”: In the case of the name “Japan,” the Dutch developed their own version based on the pronunciation and phonetics of the Japanese word. They transliterated the Japanese word “Nihon” (にほん) or “Nippon” (にっぽん) into their own language, resulting in the name “Japan” or “Japon” in Dutch.
Influence on Western Languages: The Dutch traders and scholars were not only influential in their own language but also in disseminating information about Japan to the wider Western world. Their name for Japan, “Japan” or “Japon,” became widely known and adopted in other European languages, including English, Spanish, French, and German.
The Dutch presence in Japan and their active role in trade and cultural exchange contributed significantly to the dissemination of information about Japan to Europe. This exchange of knowledge and the Dutch transliteration system played a crucial role in shaping the name “Japan” in Western languages, including Dutch itself.
It is important to note that the Dutch transliteration of “Japan” was not a direct phonetic representation of the native Japanese pronunciation. Instead, it was a representation that best aligned with the phonetics and sounds of the Dutch language at the time.
Japan in Other Languages
It’s fascinating to discover how the name of a country can vary across different languages. Here are some examples:
- Chinese: In Mandarin Chinese, Japan is referred to as “Rìběn” (日本), which is a pronunciation similar to Nihon.
- Korean: In Korean, Japan is called “Ilbon” (일본), resembling the sound of the Chinese term “Rìběn.”
- Spanish: In Spanish, Japan is known as “Japón,” retaining the name derived from the Portuguese influence.
- French: In French, the country is called “Japon,” a direct adaptation from the Portuguese term.
- German: In German, Japan is referred to as “Japan,” following a similar pattern as other European languages.
- Italian: In Italian, Japan is known as “Giappone,” derived from the Portuguese “Japão.”
Summary
The journey to uncover why Japan is called “Japan” instead of Nihon in English has taken us through a tapestry of historical encounters, trade relations, and linguistic influences. The Portuguese traders introduced the term “Japão,” which eventually made its way into the English language as “Japan.” The Dutch, through their presence in Japan and dissemination of information, further solidified the usage of the name “Japan” in the Western world.
However, it is important to remember that Nihon remains the primary name for Japan in its native language. Nihon carries deep cultural significance and serves as a symbol of national identity. The variations of Japan’s name in other languages, such as “Rìběn” in Mandarin Chinese and “Ilbon” in Korean, reflect the historical and cultural connections between Japan and its neighboring countries.
Exploring the diverse translations of Japan’s name adds richness to our understanding of the global linguistic landscape. In Spanish, French, German, and Italian, the name “Japan” or variations thereof are used, highlighting the influence of Portuguese and Dutch translations.
As language and naming conventions evolve over time, the adoption of “Japan” in English demonstrates the dynamic nature of linguistic exchange. It is a testament to the cultural and historical interactions between nations and the ever-changing global landscape.
While the name “Japan” has become widely recognized and accepted in English and other languages, it is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the native name, Nihon. Nihon encapsulates the essence of Japan’s cultural heritage and serves as a reminder of the deep roots that connect the Japanese people to their history and traditions.
The naming of Japan as “Japan” in English emerged from a combination of Portuguese and Dutch influences during the period of early Western encounters and trade relations. The adoption of this name in various languages reflects the historical and cultural exchanges that have shaped our understanding of Japan. As we continue to explore the world’s linguistic tapestry, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate connections that unite us all.