Nippon or Nihon?

[calros]

I have several comic magazines for boys, with "supporting hiraganas". According to these hiraganas, in some of them "Japan" is "Nihon" and others is "Nippon".

Anyone can tell me what's the correct pronunciation?

 

[PaulTB]

I have several comic magazines for boys, with "supporting hiraganas". According to these hiraganas, in some of them "Japan" is "Nihon" and others is "Nippon".

Anyone can tell me what's the correct pronunciation?

Both. It depends. But generally it's 'nihon' when it is just referring to the country and 'nippon' when
- it is part of some company's name.
- it is part of the name for the Japanese Empire (back when it was the Japanese Empire)
- it is being used to chant at football matches or something.

 

[Buntaro]

The feeling I have is that Nippon is more macho, while Nihon is more "politically correct".

 

[calros]

Thank you, Mr. TB,
Thank you, Mr. Buntaro.

So, if I understand well, it's "Nippon-bungeisha" and "Nippon-shuppansha" and not "Nihon-bungeisha" and Nihon-shuppansha" (they are publisher companies).

But if I say "Nippon", I am more macho... Well, I'll say "Nippon".