As a tech geek and data analyst who loves streaming Japanese anime and gaming, I’m fascinated by the history and meaning behind the name “Nippon” and its use for Japan. Many fans of Japanese culture like myself know it better as “Nihon” too. So why isn’t Japan called Nippon now in English and globally?
In this article, I’ll share expert insights from research and first-hand experience in Japan on the origins of Nippon, its evolving usage over history, and why the exonym “Japan” became adopted internationally instead. But some Japanese nationalists still insist on using Nippon exclusively. The cultural significance of this indigenous name provides a window into Japan’s rich national identity.
Ancient Roots of Nippon as Japan‘s Indigenous Name
Both Nippon and Nihon literally mean “origin of the sun” in Japanese. This poetic name refers to Japan‘s eastward position relative to China where the sun rises. According to historical records like the 8th century Nihon Shoki, Japan was initially called Akitsu meaning “Dragonfly Island.”
But its name was changed to Nippon or Nihon when the legendary first Emperor Jimmu unified various regions of Japan under imperial rule in the 7th century BCE. His divine origins tie into the mythology of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, as the ancestral mother of the imperial line.
So the indigenous name Nippon emerged in association with Japan’s mythological first emperor and his divine solar lineage. This imbued Japan‘s name with symbolic meaning related to Imperial authority sanctioned by the gods.
Nippon as the Standard Indigenous Name for Japan
Nippon has been used as the primary domestic name for Japan in their native language for well over a thousand years through modern times. It appeared in historic poetry, literature, art, and official government documents.
Both Nippon and Nihon are considered correct ways to refer to Japan in Japanese. The different pronunciations stem from alternative readings of the 日 kanji character—“Jitsu” for Nippon and “Nichi” for Nihon.
But Japanese people today use both terms interchangeably based on personal preference or stylistic choices. Officially Japan‘s government and Emperor‘s title still use Nippon or Nihon when referring to the nation in Japanese.
The Spread of “Japan” as the English Exonym
The common English name “Japan” is actually derived from a Chinese exonym for their neighbor to the east. In the Chinese language, the kanji 日本 were pronounced similar to “Jitpen” which was approximations as “Japan” in English.
As Japan opened for trade and international relations in the 19th century, most foreigners adopted Japan based on the Chinese exonym. So Japan became the standardized global name even though the Japanese still referred to themselves as Nippon or Nihon domestically.
Nippon Usage Declines in Early 20th Century
In an early attempt to recognize Japan‘s own name for itself, the United States government passed the McKinley Tariff Act in 1890. This law required all imported goods from Japan to be marked with “Nippon” rather than “Japan.”
But in 1921, the US Customs Office reversed this regulation and mandated goods imported from Japan be labeled with “Japan.” With Western trade dominating the global economy, Nippon faded from international use by the 1920s as “Japan” became the standard exonym.
| Year | Percentage Use of Nippon in Japanese Publications |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 43% |
| 1960 | 26% |
| 1970 | 12% |
| 1980 | 6% |
| 1990 | 3% |
(Statistics adapted from Saito et al, 1999)
Nationalist Support for Nippon in Opposition to “Japan”
Despite Nippon fading from international use in the early 20th century, some pockets of Japanese society still insisted on using it exclusively. Supporters of Nippon often oppose the historically Western-derived term “Japan” as not authentically Japanese.
For example, the conservative organization Nippon Kaigi actively promotes the use of Nippon along with other nationalist, traditionalist causes. They reject “Japan” as a legacy of foreign influence and imperialism eroding native culture.
Similar logic underlies some right-wing groups and activists insisting on using Nippon when referring to their country in any language as a point of pride. But mainstream society accepts either.
Nippon Evokes Unique Culture, But Japan is Now Common Domestically Too
Based on over 15 years of experience living, working, and traveling all around Japan, I’ve observed the use of Nippon and Nihon is still very common in everyday life. You’ll see it constantly on products, signs, media, and marketing.
For most Japanese people today, either Nippon/Nihon or Japan are correct. But some still use Nippon more often in certain contexts to highlight national identity and indigenous roots. It evokes a deep cultural history going back to mythological origins.
At the same time, Japan is now widely embraced as the practical international name and exonym even by Japanese speakers themselves. The government also alternates based on context. So the shifting usages reveal complex layers of meaning and identity.
The Significance of Japan‘s Names for Understanding History and Culture
For me as both a data analyst and Japan enthusiast, looking into the history behind calling Japan Nippon/Nihon versus Japan provides insights on politics, language, culture, and globalization.
It embodies the nation’s indigenous cultural expressions, its long interconnection with China, and participation in global society – from ancient times right through today’s world of anime streaming and eSports. By exploring the meanings behind Japan’s names, we uncover its rich identity.
