Japanese newspapers are reporting that Japan will officially switch from Kunrei-shiki romanization to Hepburn romanization.
In a front-page column last week, the Asahi Shimbun said, “A draft report recently published by the Council of Cultural Affairs pointed out that the Hepburn system is more widely used than the Kunrei system, and it is expected that the notation will be adjusted to reflect this. It is surprising because the writing system has not changed for about 70 years, but if confusion can be avoided, the change is to be welcomed.”
Some examples of differences:
| Kunrei | Hepburn |
|---|---|
| Aiti | Aichi |
| Atugi | Atsugi |
| Gihu | Gifu |
| Hukusima | Fukushima |
| Sinzyuku | Shinjuku |
| Titibu | Chichibu |
| Tukizi | Tsukiji |
sources:
- Japan to revise official romanization rules for first time in 70 years, Japan Times, March 2, 2024
- Ruling may be near on how to best romanize Japanese, Asahi Shimbun, February 26, 2024
- Hepburn-Style Romaji Likely to Become Standardized, Japan News, January 31, 2024
Major news! Thanks for reporting it.
Thanks for spreading the news.
A change is usually good
I like the new version
I don’t understand these changes; are they to confuse foreigners actually familiar with japanese phonology? These changes make no sense as I see it.