First Name First

On the Order of Japanese Names in English

Abstract

In a press conference of 21 May 2019, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that he hoped journalists writing in English and other foreign languages would refer to the names of Japanese persons according to the order commonly followed in the Japanese language, that is, family name first and given name last (Japanese naming order (JNO)). This was followed up by government bodies changing the order in English (internet) publications where they had previously resorted to English naming order (ENO).

This article critically assesses the reasons for as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the use of JNO and ENO in English texts. While acknowledging difficulties that arise with ENO, the author argues that the use of ENO for all names in an English text presents a number of advantages, including most importantly a noticeable increase in overall consistency.

(The Editors)