Japanese Nicknames

When Japanese people live abroad (in Canada, America, and elsewhere), they often adopt a nickname.  Thanks to a suggestion from Gavin Marshall, I decided to investigate this practice.

Before I reveal my findings, let's review a few nicknames as an example:

• Areki = Alex
• Daijiro = Danny
• Masazumi = Matt
• Takeshi = Tag

As it turns out, the people listed above really like their nicknames.  If the person selects his own nickname, introduces himself with it, and even lists it in his email signature, then feel free to call him by it!!  In fact, some people like their nicknames so much, they try to continue to use them even when back in Japan!  Think about it... It is kinda of like picking your own name :)

In addition, the names listed below aren't truly considered "American" nicknames:

• Hiromitsu = Hiro
• Kentaro = Kent or Ken
• Shinichiro = Shin

This is simply shortening their Japanese name, and I'm told that it is common in Japan, especially when you are a child.  So, these too are completely acceptable, and they may already have been using their shortened name even before moving abroad.

Lastly, here are a few Japanese people I know that chose NOT to change their name:

• Masao
• Satoru (sometimes called Steve)
• Yosuke
• Yuiki (sometimes called Yogi)

Not everyone likes nicknames, and these guys above are great examples.  In fact, they even said it was insulting that people would call them Steve or Yogi, and try to make up a nickname for them.  They take pride in their names given by their parents, and they would appreciate a little respect and a sincere attempt to get it correct.

I found it interesting that at all other Transfreight locations (India, China, Europe), they call their Japanese managers by their last name +san, which is the proper Japanese way to do it.  I'm wondering why North America dismisses this tradition?  Does it have to do with the way people introduce themselves, or could it be that we see people's first names and automatically want to call them that?! 

Whatever the reason, now you know the rules!! 

Try not to get too down on yourself if you were one of those people pushing someone to adopt a nickname.  Remember that Japanese people can't pronounce all American names perfectly either.  Here's a few tricky ones:

• Anything with a "TH" ends up sounding like "su", so Heather becomes Heasure and Matthew becomes Matsu.
• Don't forget about the whole Kerri/Kelly confusion.  They think R & L make the same sound, and therefore, are the same name.  (Why a Japanese company named their best-selling car the "Corolla", which they can't pronounce, I will never know...)
• If you really wanna stump them, just say your name is "Squirrel" and wait patiently to see what happens!!  Even if they can figure out the R's and L, the SQU is damn near impossible for most Japanese people!!