Vol. 62 No. 4 (2014)
Research Article

The Use and Non-Use of Japanese Names by Non-Japanese

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  • Giancarla Unser-Schutz
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1179/0027773814Z.00000000086

Published 2014-12-01

Keywords

  • Ausonius,
  • Gratian,
  • Mosella,
  • late antique,
  • fish,
  • tria nomina,
  • adoption
    • ...More
    Less

Copyright (c) 2014 Maney Publishing

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Abstract

Abstract

While Japan is often said to be homogenous in population, recent years have seen an increase in foreign residents, making it interesting to consider if the same patterns of adaptation of names found in other countries could be observed. A survey amongst foreign residents of Japan showed that while adaptation of names in their pronunciation was common, it was generally uncommon to use Japanese personal names. However, people of Asian heritage used them more commonly. It is suggested that the binary positioning of Japanese identities may make it difficult for some foreigners to take Japanese names, with additional factors such as racial expectations for foreigners possibly influencing some groups’ ability to take Japanese names.

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