Japanese culture Archives - My Japanese Name Plus - Custom Calligraphy Gift for Anime Fans https://myjapanesenameplus.com/tag/japanese-culture/ Know your name, own your name. Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:11:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://myjapanesenameplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-MJN-Logo-512-1-32x32.png Japanese culture Archives - My Japanese Name Plus - Custom Calligraphy Gift for Anime Fans https://myjapanesenameplus.com/tag/japanese-culture/ 32 32 ​​How Japanese People Call Each Other — and What Names Reveal About Relationships https://myjapanesenameplus.com/how-japanese-people-call-each-other-and-what-names-reveal-about-relationships/ https://myjapanesenameplus.com/how-japanese-people-call-each-other-and-what-names-reveal-about-relationships/#respond Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:59:00 +0000 https://myjapanesenameplus.com/?p=2323 Have you ever noticed how not all Japanese people call the same person by the same name?One person might say […]

The post ​​How Japanese People Call Each Other — and What Names Reveal About Relationships appeared first on My Japanese Name Plus - Custom Calligraphy Gift for Anime Fans.

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Have you ever noticed how not all Japanese people call the same person by the same name?
One person might say Suzuki-sama, while another calls him Suzu-kun.
In Japan, names and honorifics aren’t just labels — they quietly show the relationship, respect, and closeness between people.

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

Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ Oh my word!!! This IS beautiful!!! And, my daughter absolutely LOVES it!!! Her favorite birthday present of all!!! - kayelledubya`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ My name sign was so beautiful I immediately had it framed - Angela Davis`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ I love this print so much. Erika made sure everything was perfect and she was a lot of fun!! - ljcblahblahblah `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ All I have to say is... I love it!! Thank you for the beautiful work. Recommend highly - Gina Higa`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ Loved the item and it came so fast. Seller is great and very communicative to make sure my item was correct. - Kimberly Ly`)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great piece for mancave. Got a nice frame to put in and it made my mancave so nice. - Sterling `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love it!!! I can’t wait for her to see it!!! - Stacey `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ The entire experience was wonderful and the final product is better than I could have imagined! - Alexandria `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 `)"> Review 1⭐⭐⭐⭐ Superior customer service with fast response and work with you. Answer all questions and fast delivery. - Hee `)">

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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