The use and Non-Use of Japanese names by Non-Japanese

Abstract

While Japan is often said to be homogenous in population, recent years haveseen an increase in foreign residents, making it interesting to consider if thesame patterns of adaptation of names found in other countries could beobserved. A survey amongst foreign residents of Japan showed that whileadaptation of names in their pronunciation was common, it was generallyuncommon to use Japanese personal names. However, people of Asianheritage 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 forforeigners possibly influencing some groups’ ability to take Japanese names.