How to Make a Good Japanese Name
When I read fanfiction for a series set in Japan, if there is an original character/weapon/technique/item introduced, every name I see falls into one of the following four categories (note: examples are all made up by me. If you happen to have an OC with one of these names, Iâm not picking on you, itâs just coincidence):
1. Borrowing an existing name from another show or person â Examples: Satsuki, Rumiko, Goku, Sakura
2. A word straight from a Japanese dictionary â Examples: Neko, Tenshi, Utsukushii, Tatakau
3. Words from a Japanese dictionary combined together â Examples: Ichineko, Kuroitenshi, Chiisaihana, Tsuyoikiba
4. A made-up word that âsoundsâ Japanese â Examples: Inuyishi, Nekamanu, Maranoshi, Kimasaka
Almost all of the names listed above are bad names for an original character. Type 1 will always land you a legitimate name, however itâs a bit uncreative and the name is not likely to bear any significance to your particular story or character. Types 2 and 3 can potentially lead to some good names, provided theyâre done right. âHow to do them rightâ is going to be the main focus of this guide. Avoid Type 4 like the plague.
Continue reading below for a tutorial on how to create an original, meaningful, and legitimate Japanese name for your original characters.
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