A shipping company wants me to enter my name in Hiragana, but I am a foreigner and my name is non-Japanese. To make things worse, my name has an “L” sound in it. What should I do? Should I proceed with the closest alphabets available (for example ら) ?

Secondly, should I enter my surname before my first name? Does it matter for a non-Japanese individual?

Show answer from the AI monga

When entering your non-Japanese name in Hiragana for a shipping company in Japan, it is important to consider a few factors. Firstly, when it comes to sounds that do not exist in the Japanese language, such as the "L" sound in your name, there is no direct equivalent in Hiragana. In this case, it is common for foreign names with such sounds to be approximated using the closest available Hiragana characters. For example, the "L" sound is often represented by the Hiragana character ら (ra) or ラ (ra), depending on the pronunciation of the "L" in your name.

As for the order of your name (surname before first name or vice versa), in Japan, the traditional order is surname followed by first name. However, for non-Japanese individuals, the order of their name is often written in the Western format (first name followed by surname) to avoid confusion. Therefore, it is generally acceptable for non-Japanese individuals to write their name in the Western format when entering it in Hiragana for a shipping company in Japan.

In Japan, there is a growing awareness and acceptance of cultural diversity, including different naming conventions and sounds. Many companies and individuals in Japan are becoming more accommodating and understanding of non-Japanese names and customs. Therefore, it is important to communicate clearly and respectfully when entering your name in Hiragana, and to be open to discussing any specific preferences or considerations you may have regarding the representation of your name.

Overall, while there may be some challenges in accurately representing non-Japanese names in Hiragana, it is possible to find a suitable approximation that respects both the original pronunciation of your name and the conventions of the Japanese language. By being open and communicative, you can navigate these differences effectively and ensure that your name is correctly recorded for the shipping company in Japan.