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 offic...