Guides
Everything worth knowing before you write your name in Japanese.
Katakana or Kanji? How Japanese Really Write Foreign NamesJapanese people write foreign names in katakana. Here is why, when kanji makes sense instead, and how to choose between the two for your name.What Is Ateji? Writing Foreign Words and Names in KanjiAteji means choosing kanji for their sound. Learn how Japan used it for words like 珈琲 (coffee) and 亜米利加 (America), and how it works for your name.Before You Get a Kanji Tattoo: A 9-Point ChecklistPlanning a kanji or Japanese name tattoo? Check meaning, reading direction, font, Chinese vs Japanese forms and size before you sit in the chair.