Posted inQuestion about Japan
When did Nippon became Japanese?
This article discusses the evolution of the name "Nippon" to its modern-day equivalent "Japanese" in Japan, from Emperor Jimmu's use of the term in 660 BC to its adoption by Emperor Meiji during the Meiji Restoration in 1868. This process marked a major shift in both politics and culture as traditional feudalism was replaced with modern constitutional government and many aspects of Japanese culture were heavily influenced by Western ideals. Today, most people recognize "Japan" instead of "Nippon", although both terms are still used interchangeably within Asia. These changes have helped shape what it means today to be Japanese, while also creating a unified national identity recognized internationally.