JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Japan Discovers Changing Your “Kira-Kira” Name is Cheap (But Not Easy)
A viral post brings to light that changing a name in Japan is much cheaper than you might think... but that doesn't…
names
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
INSIDER
A Tokyo Hotel Asked for Her Japanese Name. She Sued Instead
A Zainichi Korean woman is suing a hotel in Tokyo after they refused to let her check in under her Korean name.
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Why Does Japan Have So Many Last Names Compared to China and Korea?
Why does Japan have hundreds of thousands of surnames while China and Korea rely on a handful? The answer lies in a…
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
These Are the Hardest Japanese Place Names to Read – Even for Native Speakers
Can you pronounce these difficult Japanese place names? If not, don't feel bad: most native speakers can't either!
INSIDER
Why Supermodel Rola’s Kanji Has Some Fans Worried
Supermodel Rola recently came out with a big announcement - but it's her kanji that has some fans worried for her.
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Three Japanese Train Station Names That Even Native Speakers Find Hard
Having a hard time pronouncing these train station names in Japanese? Don't worry - most native speakers didn't get them right, either!
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
The 10 Hardest “Kira Kira” Japanese Names to Pronounce
Some Japanese parents love having fun with kanji (much to their kids' eventual regret). Can you pronounce these 10 "kira-kira" names?
SOCIETY
Acceptance for “Kira Kira” Names? How Japan’s Koseki Rules May Change
The rise of Japanese "kira kira" names with unexpected kanji readings has sparked controversy over the past few decades. Will altering the…