Japan revises romanization rules, but 'Ohtani' remains an exception

Evolution of Japanese Romanization Rules

The Japanese government is updating its rules for romanizing Japanese characters, shifting from the traditional Kunrei system to the English-style Hepburn method. This change reflects a broader effort to align with international standards and accommodate the evolving needs of a more diverse society.

Historical Context of Romanization Systems

The Hepburn style was developed by American missionary James Hepburn in the 19th century as a way to write Japanese words using an English-based approach. In contrast, the Kunrei system was introduced during the early Showa era (1926-1989) by the Ministry of Education to standardize various romanization styles. While the Kunrei system was designated as the official style in 1954, it never gained widespread acceptance among the general public.

The Hepburn style, on the other hand, became the preferred method for writing names, places, and traffic signs. It has been widely used in passports and other official documents, making it the de facto standard for many years.

Reasons for the Update

The decision to update the romanization rules comes amid changing social circumstances. With the increasing number of non-Japanese speakers in Japan and the growing use of romaji in digital communication, there is a pressing need to streamline the use of romanized characters. Additionally, the mixed use of both systems in elementary school education has created confusion among students.

Key Changes in the New Guidelines

The Council for Cultural Affairs has outlined several key changes in its report:

1. Unified Romanization Table: The previous two tables—Kunrei and Hepburn—are now combined into a single table based on the Hepburn style. For example, "ti" in Kunrei becomes "chi" in Hepburn.

2. Long Vowel Marks: The new guidelines replace circumflex marks with macrons for long vowels. They also allow alternative methods, such as repeating vowel letters, to express long vowels without using diacritics.

3. Flexibility for Established Spellings: The rules acknowledge that some spellings have already become established in society. For instance, "Shimbashi" is commonly spelled with an "m" instead of an "n," and no immediate changes are required.

Respect for Personal and Group Names

One of the most significant aspects of the new guidelines is the emphasis on respecting the wishes of individuals and groups when romanizing their names. This means that people are not required to change their name spellings to conform to the Hepburn style unless they choose to do so.

For example, the name of Major League Baseball star Shohei Ohtani can be written as either "Otani" or "Ootani," depending on personal preference. The internationally recognized spelling "Ohtani" remains valid under the new rules.

Impact on Education and Technology

The updated rules will be announced by the Cabinet within the year and are expected to be incorporated into curriculum guidelines and textbook screening criteria for elementary schools. However, the content of the curriculum will not significantly change, meaning students who have already studied romaji will not need additional instruction.

The education ministry's Textbook Division has stated that adjustments will be made to reflect the new rules in the curriculum for the 2026 academic year. Meanwhile, the use of the Kunrei style in information devices will not require any changes, as current input methods are widely accepted.

The Future of the Kunrei Style

Despite the shift to Hepburn, the Kunrei style is not expected to disappear entirely. Takeda noted that while it is rarely seen in everyday life, some names still use this style, such as that of popular high school singer "tuki." There may even be cases where people deliberately use the Kunrei style to evoke a retro feel.

In conclusion, the update to Japan's romanization rules represents a move toward greater flexibility and inclusivity. By recognizing the diversity of spelling preferences and adapting to modern communication needs, the government is ensuring that the use of romaji remains relevant and accessible in an increasingly globalized world.