Your Name in Japanese

Seeing your name written in Japanese is often the moment everything changes.

More Than a Translation

In Japanese, a name is more than just a sound. It can carry meaning, balance, and feeling.

Japanese names can be written in three scripts: Kanji, Katakana, and Hiragana.
Each creates a different impression.

At HANKO JAPAN, every name is interpreted individually.

Meaning Beyond Sound

Kanji (漢字)

"Kanji" (漢字) are characters that carry meaning. In Japanese, they are used not only for words, but also for personal names. Historically, Kanji originated from Chinese characters. Over centuries, they were adapted within Japanese language and culture, developing unique readings, usage, and naming traditions.
When we create Kanji for a name, we carefully select characters based on pronunciation, visual balance, and positive meaning. It is true that many non-Japanese names do not have a single “official” Kanji spelling. That is why this process relies on human judgment — not automated conversion. Every Kanji name we create is an interpretation, made with respect for Japanese naming conventions.

Staying True to Sound

Katakana (カタカナ)

Katakana (カタカナ) is the script most commonly used in Japan to write foreign names and words. It focuses on sound rather than meaning, making it the most direct and recognizable way to write a non-Japanese name in Japanese.
For many people, Katakana feels clean, modern, and easy to understand. It keeps the pronunciation close to the original name while still giving it a distinctly Japanese appearance.
If Kanji is about meaning and interpretation, Katakana is about clarity and sound.

Soft and Subtle

Hiragana (ひらがな)

Hiragana (ひらがな) has a softer, more flowing appearance than Kanji or Katakana.
While it is less commonly used for foreign names, it can create a gentle, warm, and approachable impression. For some names, Hiragana feels personal in a quiet and elegant way.
If Kanji feels meaningful and Katakana feels direct, Hiragana feels soft and intimate.