The Wadas On Duty - Tips for living and traveling in Japan!

Hi there. It’s Mr. Wada back on duty. I would like to talk about Kira Kira names this time.

What are Kira Kira Names Anyways?

What comes to your mind for usual Western names? Michael, David, Anthony etcetera etcetera. It seems that classy names are still used today in the West. But what about in Japan?

Ateji (Names written in unusual ways)

Here are recent popular names of Japanese boys and girls.

Boy’s names
1. 蓮 (Ren)
2. 蒼 (Aoi/Ao)
3. 陽翔 (Haruto/Hinato)
4. 樹 (Itsuki/Tatsuki)
5. 湊 (Minato/Sou)
6. 大翔 (Hiroto/Haruto)
7. 悠真 (Yuma/Haruma)
8. 湊斗 (Minato)
9. 律 (Ritsu)
10. 朝陽 (Asahi)

Girl’s names
1. 陽葵 (Himari/Hinata)
2. 紬 (Tsumugi)
3. 凛 (Rin)
4. 芽依 (Mei)
5. 結月 (Yuzuki/Yutsuki)
6. 結菜 (Yuina)
7. 葵 (Aoi)
8. 莉子 (Riko)
9. 澪 (Mio)
10. 陽菜 (Hina/Haruna)

Oh hey, Mrs. Wada’s name is the most popular name but for boys! Heh. To be frank I wasn’t sure HOW TO READ some names and that’s one thing that makes it Kira Kira names. Many parents wish to name their kids something unique and unusual but a problem is we can’t read them!

Western Names Spelled in Kanji

Another Kira Kira name type is Western names. Today Japanese have more opportunities to encounter foreigners, so more Western names are considered for babies but spelled in Kanji (Chinese character) like below.

聖羅 (Seira = Sarah)

十夢 (Tomu = Tom)

来夢 (Raimu/Laimu = Lime)

安奈 (An-na = Anna)

Actually some Western names are not that odd. Lisa (理沙) is very common. Naomi (直美) is more like considered a Japanese name. Julia (樹里亜) sounds a bit like a stage name but becoming normal.

There are even more super shiny sparkling Kira Kira names that are read totally different from it is supposed to be. So even Japanese have hard times reading those names like below.

月 (Luna)

澄海 (Sky)

宝冠 (Tiarra/Tierra)

The one on top is a kanji for Tsuki (moon) so Luna…..hm. It’s almost like playing an impossible game huh?

Anime Names

Other typical Kira Kira names would be from Anime shows like Naruto, Goku (Dragon Ball), etc., anything too unique. By the way I have seen a boy named Naruto in Canada and I was stunned as I heard it. To be frank I thought his childhood would be tough (well, even after). If you have a classmate named Gundam, everyone would tease him for sure.

It is not a bad thing for parents what names they give their kids BUT they should consider that their kids would have to go through a lot just because of their Kira Kira names. You know, I wouldn’t want to tell people if my name was Picachu. Picaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

Lastly

Just like some English names have blended in well, there used to be some names that were Kira Kira and now they aren’t. You know what? -ko (子) used to be a kid of Kira Kira name in the old days (like Yoko, Ryoko, Toshiko etc). But these are also becoming old fashioned in the 21st century. Things change huh. So what I am saying is current Kira Kira names could be normal in the future as well.

How do you find it? Do you know anyone with Kira Kira name around you? I would really like to hear it if you do. Please share it in the comment form!

See you around!

5 Must Try Nagasaki Food

Nagasaki offers mixed-culture foods since it was the only city where foreign stuff was allowed to be brought in while Japan was closed in Edo era. And through the years it remained as Nagasaki food. Here are some popular Nagasaki food today.

Castella

Castella is a sponge cake brought from Portugal in the 15th century. Today it is the most popular souvenir from Nagasaki. Bunmeido is a famous Castella store which has its headquarter in Nagasaki City.

Champon Noodles

Champon noodle was made by a Chinese cook in Nagasaki in Meiji era. It is said that it was made for its employees first but it turned to be Nagasaki’s soul food. Perhaps the nearest place you could try it would be the Champon specialty chain named Ringer Hat (available over the country).

Sara Udon (Buddha Noodles)

Sara Udon is crispy Buddha noodles with sticky seafood based sauce on top. Pretty much of Chinese food as Champon noodles. I love the crisp.

Toruko Rice (Turkish Rice)

Toruko rice varies at places but most likely it is Tonkatsu, ketchup spagetti, pilarf rice in one dish. Just like different culture came into Nagasaki, it is mixed with multi national cuisines! A bit like kid’s food, I must say.

Sasebo Burger

It was originally made for American soldiers after the war. Apparently there is no definition of Sasebo burger. Any burger with any topping in Sasabo City, or the whole Nagasaki Prefecture would be it. It has become a popular local food. If you like burger and look for something new, you should check it out.