In this short article, we’ll look at:

How Japanese names work when people address each other.

Whether Japanese nicknames (adana) are common — and what they mean.

And how non-Japanese speakers can easily come up with their own Japanese-style nickname with honorifics.

​​How Japanese People Call Each Other — and What Names Reveal About Relationships

Why Do Japanese People Call Each Other by Their Last Names?

Have you noticed how anime characters often call each other by their last names?
Even friends who seem close — classmates, teammates, even couples — might still say “Kurosawa-san” or “Sato-kun.”

Why do they do that?

Why Japanese people avoid using first names

It’s not just a stylistic choice.
In Japan, using someone’s family name is the default way to show respect and maintain comfortable distance.

Have you ever seen a scene where a character calls another by their first name, and everyone gasps?

“She called me by my first name…!”

Unlike in the U.S. and many other countries, calling someone by their first name in Japan is a very intimate gesture.

But there comes a point when using a last name feels too stiff, while using a first name feels too personal.
That’s when adana comes in.

WHAT DOES ADANA MEAN IN JAPANESE (JAPANESE NICKNAME)

Adana (あだ名) means “nickname” in Japanese — but it’s more than just a shortened version of your name.

In Japan, nicknames often reflect closeness, affection, and shared circle rather than just convenience.

People usually give each other adana after they become friends, or know each other at work for a while.

Here are some adana examples from anime:

Midoriya Izuku → Deku (My Hero Academia) — an insult that turned into affection.

Takeda Ittetsu → Take-chan (Haikyu!!) — used by Tanaka Ryunosuke to show warmth; the “chan” adds cuteness and approachability.

Ogino Kaito → Ka-chan (Tsurune) — same pattern as Bakugo Katsuki-kun in MHA; a childhood nickname that shows familiarity and friendship.

The difference between adana and honorifics (-san, -chan, -kun, -sama)

Although many adana ends with honorifics like “chan,” simply adding one of Japanese honorifics does not make one’s name “adana.”

Not always, but typically, we take the first sound from the last name or the first name, and add one of the honorifics to it to make an adana.
In the example of Ka-chan, (Bakugo Katsuki), Izuku-kun had taken the first sound from Katsuki-kun’s name, and added “chan” at the end.

Try coming up with an adana for yourself or your friend following this pattern.

Lisa → Li-chan
Mike → Ma-chan

When Japanese people start using nicknames (adana) — what it means socially

I mentioned earlier that one reason people in Japan use adana is to manage emotional distance — to be close, but not too close. It creates a gentle middle ground between politeness and intimacy.

But there’s another case where people use an adana.
Sometimes, an adana becomes a kind of social code — a name used only within a certain circle of friends, classmates, or coworkers. It works almost like a password, something that quietly says, “You’re one of us.”

By sharing that nickname, people are recognizing each other as part of their own group while keeping the rest of the world out. It builds a sense of belonging, while still protecting personal space.

In this way, adana doesn’t just express closeness — it defines the boundaries of a relationship. It’s not always about “me and you,” but about who we are together.

What names and adana reveal about Japanese culture

Nicknames in Japan are never just playful. They quietly reflect how Japanese people see relationships.

In English, a nickname might show casual friendship or affection.
But in Japan, an adana can carry layers of meaning:
it shows closeness, yes, but also awareness of boundaries.
It’s affection with awareness — love that stays respectful.

This comes from a deep cultural value known as wa (和), or harmony.
In Japanese society, maintaining smooth relationships is often more important than standing out.
An adana allows people to express warmth while still keeping that harmony — it’s a soft way to say “we’re connected” without breaking social balance.

FAQ — How Japanese Names, Nicknames, and Honorifics Work

1⃣ Can foreigners have an adana too?

Yes, absolutely! Japanese people often enjoy giving adana to foreigners they’re close with — especially if you study or work in Japan. It shows warmth and inclusion.
Just remember that adana often grows naturally over time, so let it happen organically.

2⃣ Can I make my own adana?

You can, but it’s more natural when others give it to you.
In Japanese culture, nicknames reflect how people see you — your personality, energy, or quirks.
So when someone gives you an adana, it feels like a small gesture of connection.

3⃣ What’s the difference between adana and just adding “-chan” or “-kun”?

Adding -chan or -kun is a form of address, not necessarily a nickname.
An adana changes or shortens the name itself — like Katsuki → Ka-chan — while -chan or -kun alone keeps the original name intact.

4⃣ Is it rude to use someone’s first name in Japan?

It’s not always rude, but it can be too personal if you’re not close, especially if you do not use it with honorifics.
Using someone’s first name without permission can feel overly familiar, and even asking for permission too soon could feel too intimate to some Japanese people.
That’s why most people stick to last names or adana until a relationship deepens.
That said, many modern Japanese people — especially those who’ve spent time with Western friends or colleagues — understand that using first names is normal in other cultures.
If they sense that you’re simply being friendly and respectful, they’ll usually realize you don’t mean anything romantic or “too close” by it.

5⃣ How do I know if I can use someone’s adana?

Good question! If someone introduces themselves using their adana, or you hear their close friends using it, it’s usually okay.
But if you’re not sure, start with their last name + honorific (-san) until they invite you to be more casual.

6⃣ What are some cute or popular adana examples?

From anime and real life alike:

• Midoriya → Deku (My Hero Academia)
  
• Katsuki → Ka-chan (MHA / Tsurune)
  
• Satoshi → Sato-chan
  
• Haruka → Haru
  
• Rina → Rin-chan

How to write my name in Japanese — How does it look like, art and meaning

Here are some of the custom name calligraphies I made for American fans

‹

Oh my word!!! This IS beautiful!!! And, my daughter absolutely LOVES it!!! Her favorite birthday present of all!!! - kayelledubya`)"> This was such an awesome gift. The quality and detail was perfect. I order this as a Christmas present but the estimated shipping date was originally a few days after Christmas. However, it ended up arriving well before Christmas. The seller was the most amazing part of this experience. She made sure it was exactly how I wanted it and responded very quickly. By far my best purchase! - Analeigha`)"> Purchased a customized painting for my daughter's wedding. Erika submitted proofs and helped navigate the purchase process with me. Very easy to work with and the quality is superb! - Anna`)"> LOVE MY BEAUTIFUL KANJI!!! Erika was so very flexible and helpful. I selected three characters but wanted them customized - more feminized,softer for my bedroom. Erika sent me numerous drafts until we got them just right. I wanted them printed on canvas and stretched and she made that happen perfectly - her artistry combined with her print maker's precision created exactly what we had in mind. My pieces were each 24 x 24 and they were packed perfectly to arrive in flawless condition. I purchased floating frames from another online shop and hung them tonight. I highly recommend Erika if you are looking for beautiful calligraphy customized exactly the way you want it!! - Maria`)"> Gorgeous bold prints. Very authentic and exactly what I wanted to finish off the walls of my mini dojo at home for the corona virus interim. The giclee archival paper is nice and sturdy and arrived free of damage or issue. Shipment arrived much earlier than expected given the current covid situation we are all in. Very delightful and eager service by Erika. She had many options for the type of media to use and was very eager to assist should I require. I will definitely recommend to anyone looking for authentic Japanese custom kanji print! - Enrique Sandoval`)"> Beautiful custom family crest! I was able to send a photo of our family crest and Erika made a beautiful version of it for us. So happy to be able to honor my father and family with this. I can’t reccomend Erika enough, she takes the time to be sure everything is exactly as you’d like it and is willing to change things if needed. You can tell she truly cares about each and every item she crafts. Her work is beautiful! Thank you again! - babyblues1234 `)"> My mom is 93 and from Japan. I ordered her Japanese last name. When I showed her the pic, she was so excited! This shipped quickly and looks amazing. Thank you for a beautiful piece. - Tom`)"> I’ve wanted to get a tattoo of this proverb for a long time, but like many others, I wanted a reliable source for the kanji. I’m half Japanese, on my father’s side, but he did not learn the language, and neither did I. He passed away unexpectedly several months ago, so I decided it was time to make this tattoo happen and almost immediately I found Erika’s shop. The print arrived quickly, and it’s lovely! I’ve hung it on the wall next to my vanity, so I will see it often and be reminded of its wisdom. This year I have fallen seven times, next year I will stand up eight. Thank you so much! - Lori Kamiyama`)"> We have ordered from Erika for a few years now. She is nothing less than amazing! She will guide you through the entire process, offer her expertise in Japanese translation/knowledge and produce an amazing product every time! - Mysty`)"> Communication with Erika was amazing! Answered my questions even on a Saturday night at 10 PM. She is the absolute best! My son loves his canvas print! It’s beautiful. He can’t wait to get home and hang it. Would buy again! - dcoll24`)"> Print is excellently done, seller is wonderful to work with, and my item shipped very fast. This was a birthday gift for my daughter & she loved it! Right now it's in a temporary frame, bc that's what I could find on short notice for gift giving, but I think I will have it put into a nicer frame when I find one I like. I highly recommend this seller!!! - nwittmer138`)"> My name sign was so beautiful I immediately had it framed - Angela Davis`)"> My Anime-loving-son loved this! I was a bit late getting organised for Christmas, so the 24 hour print at home service was perfect. Service was awesome too. Thank you so much :-) - Toni Loveday`)"> 5 Stars!!!! Erika is the BEST!! She worked with me on getting my vision of my family crest and last name in Kanji. She is so nice and patient and she gets back to you super fast!! LOVE the way it turned out. . Highly recommend Erika for all your custom works!! If you have a vision, she can make it come true!! Thanks again Erika!!! - Julie`)"> Absolutely beautiful!! So satisfied and happy! Outstanding job. Great customer service very sweet & helpful on choosing the right writing for you. Thank you so much - Maria`)"> I received the order with speedy delivery and it is a quality product. The kanji characters themselves are very finely done and the sheet it is on as well as the frame are top-notch quality. I love the minimalistic yet refined approach to art like this. I've attached a little picture I took of a part of my study space. I'm a pre-med student and this Japanese proverb is perfect to hang up above my desk for some motivation. Anyways, the customer service was phenomenal, I received several personal emails providing assistance and information about the product, and the product arrived in perfect condition. It's expensive for the framed, but you're paying for the amount of detail and top-notch quality in it. I am very pleased with this product as well as the superb customer service from Erika. Thank you, Erika! - Austin Burton`)"> I love this print so much. Erika made sure everything was perfect and she was a lot of fun!! - ljcblahblahblah `)"> I love how this turned out for our Grandaughter for Christmas. I bought a frame and kept the corner pieces on as I need to ship it but you can see how beautiful it turned out. Plus, Erika was great to work with! Her knowledge and experience really helped in my decision. - Cindy `)"> Erika was very helpful in answering all of my questions about this product. She provided me with translation options and a proof to approve before printing. The print arrived on time and without flaws. - fedderkr `)"> I will recommend , it was amazing job . I really happy also my family was very impressed to see their names in Japanese. Also Japanese writing it’s an art. - aurora `)"> `)"> So very pleased with my entire experience with Erika, outstanding communication from start to finish. Simply lovely piece of work, cannot wait to get it in a frame to gift out!! - Jessica `)"> Absolutely fantastic, the artist was incredibly helpful and very willing to do something a little unorthodox. One of favorite samurai movies is 13 Assassins, and in that film they have a very specific banner that is used. It's key to the plot of the movie and integral to the final scenes. I however couldn't find any merchandise resembling what i wanted. When i turned to etsy and found this listing i asked if it could be done. Not only was the artist very receptive to the idea, she also waited while i took time to respond and included the deliberate red blotches i asked for. Overall i am very happy and I hope you order from her too if you want quality custom work. - Ian `)"> I had a such great experience with this seller! Excellent and prompt communication throughout the transaction, and the item arrive exactly (if not better) as pictured. I HIGHLY recommend doing business with MyNameJapanesePlus! - Charles Koyias `)"> `)"> `)"> The beautiful Japanese calligraphy was beyond our expectations. Erika also personalized the accompanying greeting card. She went the extra mile in making this the perfect Christmas for our son, who is teaching himself Japanese. - Roxanne `)"> It was very nice and she was very accommodating! Sorry for the late review and sorry I couldn't take a physical picture because my brother stored it in his moving box for when we move into a new house. He really loved it and he was so surprised I would definitely go for another commission in the future!! I highly recommend buying this for yourself or as a gift . Thank you so much for being patient with me! Love your work! :3 - Julius`)"> Beautiful, elegant and dignified can best describe this work of art. The seller is very kind and helpful, and goes above and beyond to make sure the customer is happy. I am very grateful for all the help and for delivering safely this work of art packaged well. I am very happy and excited for this. The frame I choose fits perfectly and will soon find a place to hang elegantly by my office. Strongly recommend this seller for authentic Japanese writing. Thank you so much. - Nightwolf `)"> My mom is 93 years old and from Japan. I wanted my name in Japanese as a way to embrace my Asian heritage. When this arrived, she said that it was beautifully done. We matted and framed this and found the perfect place to display. It looks amazing! This artist communicated with us to ensure we were getting exactly what we were expecting. It arrived in a timely fashion and boxed perfectly to protect it! My husband and I are very satisfied and would highly recommend her. - Tom`)"> All I have to say is... I love it!! Thank you for the beautiful work. Recommend highly - Gina Higa`)"> Amazing detailed information from the beginning. Came super fast the gift was loved by my brother amazing product and seller all around thank you. - agranado09`)"> Loved the item and it came so fast. Seller is great and very communicative to make sure my item was correct. - Kimberly Ly`)"> We loved how this gift turned out, plus Erika was so kind and professional to do business with. She gave us two options for the name and explained the cultural significance behind each one, always willing to answer our questions quickly. Final product is presented on gorgeous, thick, mountable art paper. We used a magnetic wood mount and it turned out beautifully as a birthday gift for our daughter. Very, very pleased with this seller and her product and we highly recommend both. - BARBARA `)"> I commissioned my 3yr old grandson’s name in kanji and English. Since he’s growing up in a multilingual environment (mother American, father Chinese, living in Japan), I figured he could use some help learning to write his name. I provided the kanji, proofed the first draft, and received a beautiful calligraphy on heavy stock, ready to be hung on his wall. Picture attached. - Elisabeth `)"> Great piece for mancave. Got a nice frame to put in and it made my mancave so nice. - Sterling `)"> Love it!!! I can’t wait for her to see it!!! - Stacey `)"> The entire experience was wonderful and the final product is better than I could have imagined! - Alexandria `)"> Awesome product and awesome service. My last name can have different Kanji characters, Erika worked with me to get it perfectly. 100% recommend her service! - Toshiro `)"> Superior customer service with fast response and work with you. Answer all questions and fast delivery. - Hee `)">

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Curious what your name looks like in Japanese? Or maybe you already know, but you want to come up with a unique adana for yourself or your friend.

I’m a native Japanese translator who has been specializing in translating Japanese films for 10+ years. I’m happy to make a custom name art using your name, or even come up with nickname options for you.

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Your Name in Kanji with Meaning

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In Japan, love is often quiet. Japanese people tend to express it through gestures, loyalty, and unspoken connections.
It’s not always about declaring “I love you.” It’s about showing it through care, endurance, and connection.Of course, as the Japanese proverb 十人十色 (ten people, ten colors) reminds us, everyone expresses love differently; not everyone in the West or Japan expresses their love in one way. But I hope that these five profound proverbs will help you see a little bit of how Japanese people see “love.”

1. 愛、屋烏に及ぶ

(Ai, oku ni oyobu)
“When you truly love someone, even the crow on their roof becomes dear.”

This Japanese proverb means that when you love someone deeply, you also come to love everything connected to them, even the small details of their world like a crow that perches on their rooftop.

Kind of like love is blind, but in a positive way.

2. 合縁奇縁

(Aien kien)
“Fate weaves the bonds between people.”

This proverb suggests that whether two people get along or not is guided by fate.It reminds us that love often begins from something mysterious and beyond our control.
In Japanese culture, this sense of 縁 (en) —a destined connection—makes relationships feel both precious and fragile.

3. 愛してその悪を知り、憎みてその善を知る

(Aishite sono aku o shiri, nikumite sono zen o shiru)
“When you love, see the flaws; when you hate, see the good.”

As a samurai film translator, the phrasing of proverb reminds me of war strategies Japanese samurai followed.

It means that when you love someone, you shouldn’t ignore their faults. And even when you dislike someone, you should still recognize their good side.

4. 愛多ければ憎しみ至る

(Ai ookereba nikushimi itaru)
“Too much love invites hatred.”

If someone shows too much affection or favoritism, others might start to feel jealous or left out.

This proverb demonstrates how Japanese culture values harmony.

5. 情けは人の為ならず

(Nasake wa hito no tame narazu)
“Be kind to others for your own sake.”

Another way to think of this proverb is, “Kindness is never wasted.”
It means that acts of kindness always come back to you in some way.

These five Japanese proverbs show that love doesn’t always need big words or grand gestures.
In the Japanese view of love, people often meet through a sense of mysterious fate. As love deepens, they express it quietly through care, respect, and by giving each other the right amount of space at every stage of the relationship.

In contrast, Western love often celebrates open emotion; saying “I love you” out loud, showing affection boldly, and valuing personal freedom within connection.
Both approaches are beautiful in their own ways. Together, they remind us that love can be expressed through many languages — sometimes in words, sometimes in silence, but always from the heart.

Which proverb is your favorite? If you’d like to keep one of these proverbs close to your heart, I create custom calligraphy pieces with your favorite saying, or even couple’s names in Japanese.

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In the anime One Piece, Zoro picked up the Sandai Kitetsu in Loguetown, at a small sword shop run by Ipponmatsu. The shopkeeper warned him the blade was cursed and would bring misfortune to any wielder.

But here’s the fun part: this idea of the “cursed sword” isn’t just found in anime. Did you know that they are also featured in samurai films?

I just finished translating a film featuring one of those cured swords called “Nure Tsubame.”

What’s a yoto?

In English, they are usually translated as “cursed sword,” but the original words, “yoto” means more like mystical, or ghostly swords.

Katana are said to represent samurai’s spirit, but it most like yoto are “possessed” by another spirit, and has a mind of its own. Some are said to bring bad luck, and some are just said to be so beautiful to look at that it calls you.

Not Just Anime: The Sword Nure Tsubame

In the samurai film I translated, Tange Sazen: Yagyu’s Jar of Gold,  (title subject to change) the one-eyed, one-armed swordsman called Sazen carries a blade called Nure Tsubame, (Literally, “Wet Swallow, or “Swallow in the Rain.”).

In the story, if you throw a sheet of paper into the air and cut it, the torn edges split like the forked tail of a swallow in flight.

Sazen often talks about Nure Tsubame as if it was alive, saying lines like “Nure Tsubame hasn’t been this thirsty for a long time!”

Katana are designed to be handled with both hands, and I can only imagine how tricky it would be to fight against a swordsman who fights with a yoto using only his left hand like Sazen goes!

Want More?

If you want to learn more fun Japanese facts from a samurai film translator, check out @koikast on YouTube where I share hidden meanings behind the words and more.
Come hang out, and let’s dive deeper into the stories behind the stories.

The post Zoro’s Sandai Kitetsu from One Piece isn’t the only Cursed Sword appeared first on My Japanese Name Plus - Custom Calligraphy Gift for Anime Fans.

Some of them share hand drawn art on their social media accounts. 

Here are some manga artists who have social media accounts you can follow:

Maashi Kishimoto, the author of NARUTO: https://www.instagram.com/masasikishi/
Akira Toriyama, the author of Dragon Ball series: https://www.instagram.com/akira.toriyama/Yusuke Murata, the author of One Punch Man: https://twitter.com/NEBU_KURO?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

2. Most manga artists work with an editor.

Manga projects are teamwork made by a team of an editor and the manga artist (and the help of assistants). It all starts with the editor and the manga artists having a meeting about the next project. Throughout the process, the editor and the manga artists keep having many exchanges, usually consisting of the manga artist sharing his or her idea, and the editor making comments on what to change.

3. Many manga starts out on weekly or monthly comic book magazines.

For example, popular series like One piece, dragon ball series, NARUTO were first featured in weekly magazine, Shonen Jump, where authors submit one episode per week.

That’s the dedication that goes into every panel of manga. And if you’ve ever dreamed of having your own likeness drawn in authentic manga style, you can now get exactly that!

Your photo, hand-drawn
by a Japanese manga artist

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You and Your Pet Hand-Drawn by a Japanese Manga Artist

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4. Many manga artists have assistants.

Those artists who work for weekly magazine publishers are having to pump out content at a very high rate, so they need assistants to help them.
Assistants usually help by drawing the backgrounds, coloring in black parts, adding shading, and more. Sometimes, assistants have to spend nights to complete the projects.

5. Most manga artists work from home.

In order to come up with new ideas, and to depict the subject accurately, manga artists must do research. This can be done online, but some artists take a trip and interview people to do their research. Research is an especially crucial part of educational manga projects.

6. About 75% of manga artists converted their workflow to digital.

Manga artists used to draw on physical paper to create their work. 
Today, manga artists have three options: traditional way, digital way, and the combination of the two.  About 75% of professional artists have completely converted to digital workflow.

Drawing the art digitally helps some artists cut down on cost and time.

7. Manga artists tend to live unhealthy lifestyles.

Since many manga artists work for weekly and monthly magazine publishers, they must work long hours to meet their deadline. Even with the help of assistants, they tend not to leave their desk most of the time, and only leave the desk to eat and bathe. Some of them work for over 20 hours a day at the desk drawing.

8. Manga artists do researches.

In order to come up with new ideas, and to depict the subject accurately, manga artists must do research. This can be done online, but some artists take a trip and interview people to do their research. Research is an especially crucial part of educational manga projects.

9. Many publishing companies host Newcomer’s Awards contests.

One of the ways manga artists get their job is by submitting for the publisher’s newcomer’s awards contests. The purpose of the contest is to find a new talented artist to recruit. 

10. Manga Artists are called “sensei.”

Just like martial arts teachers, the title for Manga artists is 先生 (sensei). They are typically called by Last name + First name + sensei (i.e. 岸本斉史先生, Kishimoto Masashi-sensei, for the author of popular anime series, NARUTO), or last name + sensei.

Ready to dive deeper into the enchanting world of Japanese culture? Join My Japanese Name Plus VIP couumunity, and unlock a treasure trove of exclusive insights, cultural delights, discounts, gifts, and more. Subscribe to my email list and let the journey continue!

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It’s not secret I love cherry blossoms are my favorite flowers. That’s one of many reasons I follow Japanese gardens on instagram! But they are not the only renowned flowers in Japan. There are so many other exquisite blossoms from Japan! Here are some traditional Japanese flowers and when you can see them.

1. Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)

March to May

Sakura is one of the two national flowers of Japan. 

“Hanami” is the tradition to gather under the cherry tree and enjoy picnics with friends and family. 

There are three cherry trees that are considered Japanese monuments:

• Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima prefecture
• Yamataka Jindai Zakura in Yamanashi prefecture
• Usuzumi Zakura in Gift prefecture.

All three are said to be thousands of years old! If you are a cherry blossom fan, you might like to visit one or all of these ancient cherry trees during your next trip to Japan, and make sure to check out my “Sakura Blossoms by the Lake”

2. Chrysanthemums (Kiku)

October to November

The Japanese passport covers feature a symbol of chrysanthemum because chrysanthemums are one of Japan’s two national flowers.

You can often spot these exquisite blossoms as motifs in Japanese art and as a part of traditional kimono designs.

Some varieties of chrysanthemums are edible. When you order sushi or sashimi in Japanese restaurants, you might find them garnished with a small chrysanthemum flower. 

You are not obligated to eat them, but if you want to try here are how you can eat them:

• Pluck the petals and put them on your sashimi
• Sprinkle the petals in your soy sauce you use for dipping your sushi. 

This not only adds fragrance to your meals, but also adds a burst of bright color (which is an important part of Japanese cuisine). As a bonus, chrysanthemums provide you with essential nutrients such as Vitamin B and Vitamin C.

3. Plum Blossoms 

February to March

In Japan, people celebrate the arrival of spring with “hanami,” a cherished tradition of flower viewing under cherry blossoms.

However, what many don’t realize is that in ancient Japan, hanami took place underneath the plum trees instead of cherry blossoms!

It is intriguing to note that in the ancient collection of Japanese poems known as Man’yoshu, which was compiled during the Nara period (Ad 710 – 784),  there are nearly three times more poems featuring plum blossoms than those that mention cherry blossoms. 

Japanese plum blossoms bloom in late winter and early spring, plum blossoms announce the end of the cold season and the beginning of warmer days.

Now that you uncovered this intriguing piece of history, consider displaying “Plum Blossoms in Spring” on your wall as a conversation starter

4. Wisteria (Fuji)

April to June

Wisteria’s stunning cascade of purple flowers has captured the hearts of the Japanese people for centuries. Here are two examples from ancient times and the present day.

Wisteria’s mention in Japanese literature can be traced back to the pages of “Kojiki,” an old chronicle of Japan’s origin and mythology, where one deity wins the heart of another by presenting wisteria.

Fast forward to the present day, wisteria is still celebrated in the popular anime series, “Demon Slayer” in which you can see beautiful depictions of wisteria blossoms. 

If you are a fan of “Demon Slayer,” you might enjoy amazing wisteria sights in Japan in places like Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi prefecture.

Wisteria is called “fuji” like Fuji Mountain. That’s why I created “Fuji’s Wisteria” with both of them.

5. Japanese Camellia (Tsubaki) 

Varies depending on the variety

Japanese camellia come in many varieties. But vastly speaking, most camellia varieties are known for these three features:

• mid-winter blooms
• minimal fragrance
• the unique trait of shedding their entire flower head when their flowering cycle concludes. 

Camellia’s resilience, modesty, and dignified serenity embody Japanese beauty. Sen-No-Rikyu, the pioneering Japanese tea master, was among the first well-known people to grow camellia plant in his garden. His influence made camellia one of the most essential  flowers for Japanese tea ceremonies during the winter season.

It is worth noting that not all varieties of camellias are the same. Some camellia varieties have a strong fragrance, and some lose their petals one by akin to Japanese cherry blossoms. 

If you are a fan of samurai movies, one movie where you can see a beautiful falling camellia losing its petals like cherry blossoms is “Samurai’s Promise,” which I had the pleasure of translating. The Camellia scene is quite beautiful, but the rest of the movie and story are equally fantastic!

These are just a few of the iconic Japanese flowers. Keep in mind that Japan stretches from south to north, and as such, when these flowers are in bloom will depend on the location. The above guide is a rough idea, and it should work for many of the main tourists’ locations.

Which one is your favorite? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Ready to dive deeper into the enchanting world of Japanese culture? Join My Japanese Name VIP community and unlock a treasure trove of exclusive insights, cultural delights, discounts, gifts, and more. Subscribe to my email list and let the journey continue!

The post 5 Japanese Flowers and the best time to view them. appeared first on My Japanese Name Plus - Custom Calligraphy Gift for Anime Fans.

Here are some amazing Halloween theme images directly from Studio Ghibli.

They are free to use for personal use.

I choose those that had the Halloween theme colors and characters for you.

Awesome to use for laptop background! Enjoy.

Howl’s Moving Castle

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/howl/#&gid=1&pid=7

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/howl/#&gid=1&pid=12

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/howl/#&gid=1&pid=10

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/howl/#&gid=1&pid=40

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/howl/#&gid=1&pid=29

Spirited Away

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/chihiro/#&gid=1&pid=14

Princess Mononoke

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/mononoke/#&gid=1&pid=24

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/mononoke/#&gid=1&pid=23

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/mononoke/#&gid=1&pid=35

Pom Poko

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/tanuki/#&gid=1&pid=34

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/tanuki/#&gid=1&pid=32

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/tanuki/#&gid=1&pid=31

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/tanuki/#&gid=1&pid=29

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/tanuki/#&gid=1&pid=27

Kiki’s Delivery Service

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/majo/#&gid=1&pid=10

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/majo/#&gid=1&pid=11

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/majo/#&gid=1&pid=12

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/majo/#&gid=1&pid=18

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/nausicaa/#&gid=1&pid=1

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/nausicaa/#&gid=1&pid=42

Tales from Earthsea

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/ged/#frame&gid=1&pid=3

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/ged/#&gid=1&pid=14

When Marnie was There

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/marnie/#&gid=1&pid=38

Earwig and the Witch

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=17

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=27

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=50

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=28

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=29

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=41

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=42

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=4

Can’t Get Enough Halloween Freebie?

If you loved this one, I’ve got something for you…

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I created 10 enchanting Japaense Halloween related words for you.

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Feel free to print, or use as laptop wallpaper.

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The post 31 Ghibli Halloween Wallpaper appeared first on My Japanese Name Plus - Custom Calligraphy Gift for Anime Fans.

Ramen noodles used to be considered a budget meal, but nowadays, anime fans are rethinking ramen, because they look soooo good in those anime series!

With Japanese-style ramen restaurants on the rise, you have the option to dine out, but you can also cook delicious Japanese-style ramen noodles at home. Here are some ways you can make your ramen noodles at home so much better, and it really does not take much effort. 

1. Start with quality ramen noodles

It is optional, but different noodles make a difference in how they turn out. If you have always been using the same ramen noodle, experiment with a few varieties that you never tried before. One of my favorites is the refrigerated ramen noodles in asian food stores.

2. Add these instant game changers (no effort)
These no-effort, instant toppings are game changers for your ramen noodles! 

• chopped green onions
• Dried wakame (They are dried seaweed that expands a lot in water, so do not use too much. You can get them online, or at your local asian food stores)
• Dried nori (They are the kind of seaweed that is used to wrap sushi with. They are thin like paper. You can get them online, or at your local grocery stores, or asian food stores)
• canned or frozen sweet corn (I do not recommend cream style corn.)
• sesame seeds
• spinach (either fresh, steamed, boiled, or sauted, depending on your taste)
• menma 
• sesame oil (just a drop)
• chili oil (just a drop)
• salt and pepper (They are good match for tonkotsu)
• beansprout
• ginger and/or garlic in a tube (Japanese people use these all the time. Often available at your local grocery store in the Asian food aisle, or at your local asian food store.)

3. Homemade Broth

There are two ways you can elevate your ramen broth. Make your own, or change the soup that comes with the ramen noodle.

If you want to try homemade broth, it does not have to be complicated. At my home, we like using bone broth that I make and miso (Miso is available at your local asian food store, or online). If you want some ramen noodle broth recipes, let me know in the comment below.

4. Add protein

This one is great for hungry anime-loving teens! Traditionally, Japanese people love adding Cha shu pork, but it does not have to be complicated. Here are some easy and quick proteins you can add to your ramen:

• Tempura (Frozen tempura can be found at your local asian food stores, or I can share recipes in the future blog if you are interested. Let me know.)
• Sliced deli ham (just like featured in Ponyo)
• Leftover meat (I do not recommend something smothered in sauce like BBQ as that will change the ramen noodle flavor quite a bit, but roasted food and grilled foods are great options.
• Boiled eggs

5. Pro tips from my ramen restaurant friend

I have a Japanese friend whose family runs a Japanese ramen noodle restaurant in Japan. When she and I came to the U.S., she gave me some tips to make american ramen noodles taste better.

• Start with a small amount of water
• Add the soup packet to the pot, not in the bowl
• Crack some eggs and add them to the pot when you include the soup packet. This way, the eggs will absorb the flavor. I used to only make boiled eggs, so this was a pleasant change!

There is a scene in Ponyo where a mother serves instant ramen noodle to her son and his new friend, Ponyo. All she did to make the noodle experience more fun for the children was to add ham, green onions, and boiled eggs, and served it with a cheerful announcement. It does not have to be complicated, ramen can be so much more with minimal effort. Enjoy!

The post 5 easy ways to spice up your ramen noodle at home appeared first on My Japanese Name Plus - Custom Calligraphy Gift for Anime Fans.

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/kimitachi/

Comment below and let me know.

The post Studio Ghibli releases 14 images from their latest movie, The Boy and the Heron appeared first on My Japanese Name Plus - Custom Calligraphy Gift for Anime Fans.