Why Do We Say "Japan" While the Japanese Say "Nihon"? From Oyashima to Zipangu – A Millennia-Long Game of Telephone
Why Is Japan Called “Japan” Instead of “Nihon”?
Around the world, simply uttering the word “Japan” instantly evokes thoughts of anime, ninja, samurai, sushi, karate, or geisha. But have you ever wondered why we use this name when the Japanese themselves refer to their country as “Nihon” or “Nippon” (日本)? The answer lies buried in millennia of history, legends of golden palaces, and trade routes that stretched across the waters of Asia to the royal courts of Europe. Japan has more names than you might think, and each one reveals a different chapter of its fascinating story.
Today, Japan is famously known as the “Land of the Rising Sun,” but the first Chinese visitors to these islands called it “Wa” (倭), a name that... meant “dwarf,” “submissive person,” or even “barbarian.” How did the Japanese transform this derogatory name into a symbol of harmony and peace? And where did Marco Polo encounter the exotic “Cipangu,” which he described as a land of golden palaces? The evolution of Japan’s names is a mirror reflecting the country’s relationships with the world—a tale full of tensions and misunderstandings, as often happens with island nations.
In this article, we will explore how the names of Japan have changed over the centuries, what they mean, and how they shaped the perception of this country. From the mythological “Eight Great Islands” to “Nippon” embroidered on Olympic jerseys, every name holds a key to understanding the rich history and identity of this remarkable country.
Ancient Japan: Oyashima, Yamato, and Wa
Oyashima – The Mother of Islands
The history of Japan’s names begins in the dense forest of myths and legends, taking us back to the time when the kami (deities) Izanagi and Izanami, according to Kojiki, Japan’s oldest chronicle from the 8th century, created the country as “Oyashima”—the “Great Mother of Islands” (大八洲). Ancient Japan was represented as eight main islands: Honshū, Shikoku, Kyūshū, Awaji, Iki, Tsushima, Sado, and Oki. In this context, the number eight symbolized not exact quantity but abundance, emphasizing the multitude of islands in the archipelago.
Although “Oyashima” was not a name the Japanese used daily, it became a vital part of national mythology and identity. In literature, art, and Shintō rituals, the name served as a symbolic reminder of the divine origins of the country. To this day, it appears in contexts related to cosmology, mythology, and the beginnings of the Japanese islands.
Yamato – The First Proto-Japanese State
Over time, Japan acquired a new name: Yamato (大和, literally “great harmony”). Yamato, originally a region in what is now Nara Prefecture, became the political and cultural heart of early Japan. The name Yamato symbolized unity, gradually consolidating scattered clans under one imperial rule. Although it translates to “Great Harmony,” the etymology suggests different possibilities, including “Gate in the Mountains,” referencing the surrounding mountain ranges. Interestingly, the first ruler who united hundreds of warring kingdoms into one cohesive state called Yamato was a woman—the shaman-queen Himiko (detailed in the book Silne kobiety Japonii).
Yamato referred not only to the territory but also became synonymous with all things traditionally Japanese. In literature, such as the poetry collection Manyōshū, the name was often used metonymically to signify the entire country. Thus, Yamato evolved from a regional name into a national symbol.
Wa and Wakoku (倭国) – The First Chinese Mentions of Japan
The earliest written mentions of Japan appear not in native texts but in Chinese chronicles from the 2nd century CE, such as the Hòu Hàn Shū (后汉书 – Book of the Later Han Dynasty). In these documents, Japan was referred to as Wa (倭), and its inhabitants were called the people of Wa (倭人). Chinese chronicles described Wa as an island group living in harmony but with distinct customs.
The meaning of “Wa” has been the subject of much interpretation. One theory suggests that “Wa” derives from the Japanese words waga (我が – “ours”) and ware (我 – “I”), implying that the Chinese recorded what they heard as the Japanese people’s self-designation. Unfortunately, Chinese characters gave “Wa” pejorative meanings—倭 could be interpreted as “dwarf,” “submissive,” or even “slave.” The chronicles described the Japanese as short people who often bowed in a submissive gesture.
However, the Japanese were not indifferent to this offensive association. In the 8th century, they chose to change the character. Instead of 倭, they began using 和 (harmony, peace), marking a conscious step toward positive self-definition. From that moment, Wa became synonymous with Japanese culture of harmony, as seen in words like washoku (和食 – Japanese cuisine), wagyu (和牛 – Japanese beef), and washitsu (和室 – Japanese-style room).
The change from 倭 to 和 was not merely linguistic but also political and cultural. It demonstrated how the island nation’s inhabitants gradually took control of their image, shaping it as a nation of harmony rather than subservience. These early names of Japan, from Oyashima to Yamato and Wa, are not just terms—they are mirrors of a country’s evolving history.
The Birth of “Nihon” – The Land of the Rising Sun
From Yamato to “Nihon”
The transformation of Japan’s name from Yamato to “Nihon” was not just a linguistic change but a deeply symbolic step in defining the country’s identity. In the 7th century, Japan increasingly influenced its relationships with neighboring China. Rather than being seen as the “land of Wa,” the Japanese wanted to define their own place in the world. This move was inspired by their geographical position—east of China, in the direction where the sun rises.
A pivotal moment in Japan’s transition from Yamato to the “Land of the Rising Sun” was a letter sent in 607 CE by Prince Shōtoku to the Chinese emperor of the Sui Dynasty. Shōtoku, a prominent politician, thinker, and reformer, viewed Japan as equal to China—an audacious statement given China’s dominance in the region at the time. In the letter, which made history, the prince referred to himself as the “Son of Heaven of the Land Where the Sun Rises” and addressed the Chinese emperor as the “Son of Heaven of the Land Where the Sun Sets.” This was not merely a polite formula but a diplomatic assertion that Japan, though smaller and younger in terms of civilization, held its own unique place in the world.
The phrase “Land of the Rising Sun” (日出處天子 – Hi izuru tokoro no tenshi) referred both to Japan’s geographical position east of China and to the deeply rooted cultural association with the sun. In Shintō mythology, the sun symbolized divine life energy, and the sun goddess Amaterasu, considered the ancestor of the imperial line, was a central deity in the Japanese pantheon. By invoking this metaphor, Shōtoku not only expressed national pride but also subtly signaled Japan’s spiritual significance as a country uniquely connected to the forces of nature and divinity.
A Bold Step in East Asian Diplomacy
The letter from Prince Shōtoku marked a bold step in East Asian diplomacy, as it broke away from the previous practice of treating Japan as a dependent or subordinate entity in relation to China. It was one of the earliest examples of Japan consciously shaping its image on the international stage. Japan’s independence and ambition were emphasized not only through words but also through political actions, such as Shōtoku’s reforms, which were inspired by the Chinese administrative system yet adapted to Japanese realities. This letter became a symbol of Japan’s beginnings as a nation aware of its distinct identity and prepared for equal dialogue with the world’s great civilizations.
The Etymology of "Nihon"
The new name for Japan, “Nihon” (日本), first appeared in Chinese chronicles from the Tang Dynasty in the 8th century. The character “日” (nichi) means “sun” or “day,” while “本” (hon) translates to “origin” or “base.” Together, they form a name that can be translated as “Source of the Sun” or more poetically, “Land of the Rising Sun.”
This change also carried deep mythological significance. In Shintō mythology, the Emperor of Japan was considered a direct descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu, the most important deity in the Shintō pantheon. “Nihon” thus emphasized not only the country’s geography but also its spiritual and political uniqueness. For the Chinese, who referred to themselves as “Zhongguo” (中國 – “The Middle Kingdom”), it was also a practical reminder that Japan lay to the east.
“Nihon” vs. “Nippon”
While both “Nihon” and “Nippon” derive from the same kanji, differences in their pronunciation emerged due to the evolution of the Japanese language. Initially, in the 8th century, “Nippon” dominated, reflecting the Chinese reading of the characters. Over time, during the Heian period, phonological changes led to the emergence of the “Nihon” form.
Today, both variants are correct, though their usage differs depending on the context. “Nippon” is more often used in formal settings, such as international sporting events (“Ganbare Nippon!”) or on coins, where the inscription 日本国 (Nippon-koku, “State of Japan”) appears. Meanwhile, “Nihon” is more common in everyday speech and expressions such as “Nihon-go” (Japanese language) or “Nihon-jin” (Japanese people).
Examples of When “Nippon” and “Nihon” Are Used
“Nippon”
- Coins: All Japanese coins bear the engraving “Nippon,” symbolizing the official nature of this form.
- Sports: National teams, such as “Samurai Japan” in baseball or “Ganbare Nippon” as a sports slogan, use “Nippon” to evoke national pride.
- Companies: Major corporations, such as Nippon Steel, Nippon Life Insurance, and All Nippon Airways (ANA), incorporate this form in their names, emphasizing professionalism and international reach.
- Postage stamps: Japanese postage stamps feature the name “Nippon.”
- Ceremonial contexts: In formal situations, such as official speeches or international diplomatic meetings, “Nippon” is preferred to underline gravity and tradition.
“Nihon”
- Language and culture: Expressions like “Nihon-go” (日本語 – Japanese language) or “Nihon-shoku” (日本食 – Japanese cuisine) are commonly used in everyday Japanese conversation.
- Media: Popular places and works, such as the Nihonbashi Bridge (日本橋 in Tokyo) or Nihon-shoki (日本書紀 – an ancient historical chronicle), frequently feature this form.
- Geography: Modern geographical names, such as “Nihon-kai” (日本海 – the Sea of Japan).
- Education and institutions: Names of educational institutions, such as “Nihon Daigaku” (日本大学 – Nihon University), and other cultural institutions often use this form (though not exclusively).
- Informal speech: In daily conversations, Japanese people use “Nihon” as the standard name for their country, especially in casual contexts.
Where Did “Japan” Come From?
We already know that Japan was once called Yamato. We also know that the Chinese referred to the country as “Wa,” which initially carried unpleasant connotations before the Japanese redefined it as “harmony.” Additionally, we understand that the current “Nihon” or “Nippon”—the “Land of the Rising Sun”—reflects Japan’s geographical position and its connection to the sun goddess Amaterasu. However, one question remains: why does the Western world use the name “Japan”? Where did this word, which sounds entirely different from Wa or Nihon, come from? To understand this, we must trace the fascinating history of Japan’s interactions with the West, filled with linguistic puzzles and cultural collisions.
How Did “Cipangu” Become “Japan”?
The linguistic journey from “Cipangu” to “Japan” is long and intricate. It resembles a game of telephone played over hundreds of years, tens of thousands of kilometers, and across various cultures and languages. Chinese languages and Malay played a key role, as Europeans encountered them during their exploration of Asia. In southern Chinese dialects like Wu and Hokkien, “日本” was pronounced as “Zeppen” or “Jatbun.” Malay merchants adapted this into “Jepang” or “Jipang,” and Portuguese missionaries who arrived in Asia during the 16th century adopted this pronunciation. Portuguese records of “Jipang” quickly spread throughout Europe.
The first mention of Japan in English appeared in 1577 as “Giapan.” As the word evolved in European languages, variants more suited to the phonetics of each language emerged, such as “Japan” in English, “Japon” in French, “Giappone” in Italian, and “Yaponiya” in Russian.
The Influence of Portuguese Missionaries and Asian Trade
Portuguese missionaries played a significant role in popularizing the name “Japan.” When they arrived in Japan in the 16th century, they created the first grammar books and dictionaries of the Japanese language. In their records, “日本” appeared as “Nippon” or “Jippon,” as well as “Iapam” – the form that eventually led to the modern “Japan.” Portuguese traders traveling through Malacca and Macau passed these records on to other European merchants and missionaries, cementing the name’s use in Europe.
Asian trade routes also had a profound impact on shaping the names of Japan in Western languages. In Malacca and Indonesia, the Malay term “Jepang” was already widespread before reaching Europe. Linguistic differences between Chinese dialects, Malay, and Portuguese led to adaptations of the name, which ultimately took the form of “Japan” in English.
The history of the name “Japan” is not just a story of trade and missionaries but also of how language reflects cultural encounters. Marco Polo, without ever knowing where Japan truly was, introduced its name to Western consciousness as “Cipangu.” Thanks to Portuguese traders and missionaries, the Malay “Jepang,” and Chinese dialects, Europe began to perceive Japan through the lens of its linguistic and cultural filters.
Other Names for Japan in Different Languages
Although Japan refers to itself as “Nihon” or “Nippon,” it bears names in other parts of the world that significantly differ from these forms. Each reflects unique cultural and historical connections with the Land of the Rising Sun.
In Korean, Japan is called “Ilbon” (일본), a phonetic representation of the Sino-Korean reading of the characters “日本.” This name is a product of the centuries-long influence of Chinese characters and classical language on Korea. It literally translates to “Source of the Sun,” preserving the meaning of the original “Nihon” (the same characters, read in Sino-Korean).
In Cantonese, Japan is known as “Yatbun” (日文) [pronounced jɐt˨ pun˧˥]. This name also derives from the character for “sun” (日). Variations in pronunciation across Chinese dialects influenced how the name was passed on in different regions, including Southeast Asia, where terms like the Malay “Jepun” also originated.
Among the indigenous tribes of Taiwan, such as the Atayal people, Japan was called “Shanban” (山蕃), which translates to “mountain people.” This term reflected their perception of Japan as a distant and isolated land characterized by mountainous terrain surrounded by water.
In classical Chinese poetry, Japan was occasionally referred to as “Fusō” (扶桑), inspired by the mythical Fusō tree of the sun, said to grow in the east. This poetic and spiritual name symbolized the east as the source of light and life.
In ancient Japanese mythology, the country was called “Akitsushima” (秋津島), meaning “Dragonfly Islands.” This name originated from legends in which an emperor saw the archipelago’s shape as resembling a dragonfly—a symbol of bravery and protection. It is a rarely used name, even within Japan, but it carries a deep connection to its mythological roots.
Conclusion
The history of Japan’s names is a fascinating narrative of linguistic and cultural transformations that reflect its relationships with the rest of the world. From the initial “Wa,” a name given by the Chinese with a tone of disdain, to “Nihon” and “Nippon,” expressions of national pride, each name reveals a different chapter in Japan’s story. It is remarkable how these changing names—created by outsiders, adapted by the Japanese, or vice versa—have become a testament to both tensions and mutual fascination between cultures. In this linguistic kaleidoscope, “Japan” stands out as an example of global adaptation, born from trade, religious missions, and travel that reshaped perceptions of this mysterious land over centuries.
Modern Japan, although it calls itself “Nihon” or “Nippon,” is known to the world as “Japan.” Interestingly, the Japanese have gradually embraced “Japan” as part of their global identity—from the national baseball team “Samurai Japan” to the government program promoting culture, “Cool Japan.”
The various names of Japan, so different across languages, are more than mere geographical terms—they are keys to understanding the global dialogue between cultures, a millennia-long game of telephone. Each of these names evokes different associations, from the mystical land of the sun in Chinese chronicles to the land of dragonflies in Japanese mythology. For some, Japan remains an exotic symbol of the East; for others, a dynamic country of innovation. Within this diversity of names and meanings lies a unique story of Japan as a nation that bridges tradition and adaptability to the world.
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未開 ソビエライ
An enthusiast of Asian culture with a deep appreciation for the diverse philosophies of the world. By education, a psychologist and philologist specializing in Korean studies. At heart, a programmer (primarily for Android) and a passionate technology enthusiast, as well as a practitioner of Zen and mono no aware. In moments of tranquility, adheres to a disciplined lifestyle, firmly believing that perseverance, continuous personal growth, and dedication to one's passions are the wisest paths in life. Author of the book "Strong Women of Japan" (>>see more)
Personal motto:
"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest." - Albert Einstein (probably)
Mike Soray
(aka Michał Sobieraj)
未開 ソビエライ
An enthusiast of Asian culture with a deep appreciation for the diverse philosophies of the world. By education, a psychologist and philologist specializing in Korean studies. At heart, a programmer (primarily for Android) and a passionate technology enthusiast, as well as a practitioner of Zen and mono no aware. In moments of tranquility, adheres to a disciplined lifestyle, firmly believing that perseverance, continuous personal growth, and dedication to one's passions are the wisest paths in life. Author of the book "Strong Women of Japan" (>>see more)
Personal motto:
"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest." - Albert Einstein (probably)
Mike Soray
(aka Michał Sobieraj)
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