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What was Japan's old name?
Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. One interesting aspect of this history is the country's old name. Many people wonder, "What was Japan's old name?" Let's delve into the origins of Japan's name and why it is called "Japan" in English today.
The early names for Japan, known as Nihon or Nippon in Japanese (日本, see below), were used in China and Korea in ancient times. These names roughly translate to "origin of the sun" or "the land where the sun originates." The name reflects Japan's geographical location to the east of these countries, where the sun rises.
So why is Japan called "Japan" in English and other Western languages instead of Nihon or Nippon? The answer lies in historical linguistics and the way languages evolve and change over time.
During the 7th and 8th centuries, Chinese scholars first encountered Japan and its early written language. They transliterated the Japanese name using Chinese characters, which resulted in the names "Nihon" or "Nippon." This pronunciation was then adopted by other countries, including Korea, where Japan was known as "Ilbon" in Korean.
When Japan began trading with European countries in the 16th century, Portuguese explorers were the first to introduce the name "Japão" to Europe. This name was derived from the Malay word for Japan, "Jepang," which in turn came from the Chinese name "Ribenguo." Over time, the name "Japão" evolved into "Japan" in English and other languages.
Today, the name "Japan" is recognized worldwide as the official name of the country. The Japanese government officially adopted "Nihon" or "Nippon" as the country's name in 1868, but the name "Japan" continued to be used in international contexts.
So, while Japan's old name was Nihon or Nippon, the name "Japan" has prevailed in English and other Western languages due to historical influences and linguistic evolution. Whether you call it Japan, Nihon, or Nippon, this beautiful country continues to captivate people around the globe with its unique culture, history, and natural beauty.