JAPANESE NAMES
FIRST OF ALL, we should note that Japanese family names precede personal names,
so it is not helpful to refer to first or last names. Suzuki Kazuo-san becomes in English
Mr. Kazuo Suzuki, and Takahashi Yuriko-san becomes Ms. Yuriko Takahashi. When Japanese write
their own names in English, it is up to them to decide which name order to follow.
In normal day-to-day relationships, Japanese call one another by their family names,
no matter how long they may have known each other. Children - and adult friends who have
known each other since childhood - may use personal names (Kazuo- san and Yuriko-san),
special nicknames, or diminutives (for example, Yuriko becoming Yuri-chan),
but as a departure point one generally sticks with the family name plus-san.
Still, there should be no rush on either side of a cross-cultural relationship to start
using personal names as a sign of friendship. If the Japanese friend or associate suggests it,
then follow suit, but one should not make a Japanese person feel uncomfortable by insisting on
using personal names. It is especially uncomfortable in groups if you call one person Kazuo and
another person Nakamura-san. Closeness of relationship need not always be expressed
verbally in public. Finally, be aware that in Japanese it is implite to drop the -san from
another person's name.
There are times when you should use a person's title or position name rather than
the family name. Medical doctors and teachers of whatever rank or prestige are called sensei.
If a man named Tanaka is a tea-ceremony instructor, university professor, or brain surgeon,
you should call him sensei or Tanaka sensei but never Tanaka-san.
In the business world you will also hear the titles shacho (president of a company),
bucho (department head), kacho (section head), and kakaricho (head clerk).
In some companies these titles are used as forms of address or
in reference to third parties,always without-san.
In other companies everyone from top to bottom is called by family name followed by -san.
When in doubt, you will not be considered rude if you follow the latter custom.