Quote:
Originally Posted by lself
I did read it actually. I realize in japanese katakana is best etc. However, foreigners have to have their names in Chinese kanji right? Because there is no katakana in chinese. I realize katakana is the best way, etc. but it does not look as good, as i said above.
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I was a foreigner registered in Japan and my name was written in katakana. same as on my bank account and tax forms. It is possible for a foreigner living in Japan to be officially registered with Japanese kanji, but this is a small part of the foreign population (if I understand correctly) and as a student and speaker of Japanese for about 20 years I can't imagine having a kanji name. Even my hanko was in katakana. The kanji that can be used for your name have limitations, so just getting the name in Chinese will mean you will have your name in Chinese on your arm, but not necessarily in Japanese. The safest and most universal way to have your foreign name in Japanese tattooed to you is in katakana.
To make a name in kanji is just that:
making a name in kanji. There is no kanji for the name "Derrick" (or any Western name) so to make one is risky and the chances of a Japanese person reading it as your name are pretty slim.