Nihon vs. Nippon

[Margaret Nevinski]

Which term for Japan would have been used in the 1940s in the US? Nippon or Nihon? Thanks.

 

[mdchachi]

Obviously people in the U.S. wouldn't say either, they'd say "Japan." Or do you mean in textbooks and such?

If I had to pick one or the other I'd guess Nippon. But it's just a guess.

 

[Margaret Nevinski]

Sorry for the confusion. I meant for Japanese speakers living in the US during the 1940s, would they have said "Nippon" or "Nihon"?

 

[Hanada Tattsu]

Well, in both the US and Japan at that time, Nippon was used, it has a more nationalistic use.

But today, Nihon is the more commonly used version. Mostly the elderly use Nippon today, but in the 1940's, Nippon was the most common version.

 

[Margaret Nevinski]

Thanks for the response. Very helpful.

 

[Hanada Tattsu]

Sure!

If you have any more questions about Japan, please don't hesistate to ask me.