Reader’s Question:
Koyabu-san mentioned on television that he often finds it troublesome when people ask him how to read his name “Kazutoyo.” I understand the desire for children to have names that are easy to read. Names like Hamachan and Takefusa Kubo are also difficult, but they seem to have no complaints. What could be the reason for Koyabu-san’s complaints?
The
Fascination of Name Pronunciation
Recently, I saw Koyabu-san discussing the pronunciation of his name “Kazutoyo” on television. I could relate to his experience of feeling troubled each time someone asks him about it. Certainly, from a young age, one might wish to avoid difficult names. Especially when being asked repeatedly about names that are hard to pronounce can be a bit of a hassle. As for myself, while studying law, I come across various names and terms, some of which can be quite complicated. For instance, some statutes have pronunciations that are difficult, and I genuinely felt confused at first. When I first read a passage from the Civil Code, I stumbled over several terms. Studying with friends often led to amusing exchanges like, “How do you read this?”
The Difference Between Hamachan and Koyabu-san’s Names
Considering the names of Hamachan and Koyabu-san, there is indeed a difference in how easy they are to read. Hamada-san’s name “Masatoshi” is quite common, while Koyabu-san’s “Kazutoyo” is certainly rare. Such differences likely influence their reactions. I also have a few anecdotes related to names. For example, the embarrassment of being mispronounced in school or unexpectedly liking a nickname given by friends. These experiences contribute to a special sentiment tied to names, and I can truly understand why Koyabu-san might be concerned about his name “Kazutoyo.”
The Importance of Reflecting on Names
In the end, it seems that everyone has their unique feelings towards names. Some people care a lot about it, while others are completely indifferent. Initially, I had some resistance to legal terms, but I gradually became accustomed to them. Therefore, perhaps the process of getting used to names is what’s important. Finally, I’d like to hear from everyone. If you have interesting stories related to names or experiences with people who have difficult names, please share them in the comments. Names are part of a person’s identity. I hope we can share our experiences and have even more enjoyable conversations.
