Why Do Japanese Call Korea Kankoku?
1. Introduction
The name “Kankoku” is used by many Japanese people to refer to the nation of Korea. But why do they use this term? What is the history behind it and why is it still used today? In this article, we will explore the origin of the term “Kankoku” and its current usage in Japan.
2. Historical Context of the Name Kankoku
The term “Kankoku” originated in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) when Chinese scholars referred to Japan as “Wa” and Korea as “Kan.” This name was then adopted by Japanese people in reference to Korea, and gradually became more widely used over time.
3. Japan’s Influence on the Korean Language
During the period of Japanese colonization from 1910-1945, Japan imposed its language on Korea, replacing Chinese characters with Japanese ones in official documents and schools. As a result, many Korean words were replaced with their Japanese equivalents, including Kankoku for Korea.
4. The Japanese Imperialist Era in Korea
During Japan’s period of occupation, Koreans were not allowed to use their own language or culture freely, so many adopted Japanese words instead as a way of expressing themselves without being punished for using their native tongue. This included using terms like Kankoku instead of their own word for Korea: Choson (조선).
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - BarCharts Publishing Inc. (Publisher)
5. Post-World War II and the South Korean Independence Movement
After World War II ended in 1945, Japan relinquished its control over Korea and South Koreans declared independence from both North and South governments in 1948 following a civil war that lasted three years. During this time, many Koreans embraced their own language again but some words like Kankoku remained popular among Japanese speakers due to its long history of usage by them prior to WWII.
6. The Impact of Japanese Language on Koreans
Although Korean regained its popularity after WWII due to its connection with national identity and pride, some Korean words remain heavily influenced by their Japanese counterparts even today such as Kankoku which is still commonly used by both nations when referring to each other’s countries today despite having an alternative native word for it (Choson).
7. Current Use of the Term Kankoku by Japanese
Today, despite having an alternative native word for it (Choson), Kankoku remains a popular term among both nations when referring to each other’s countries due to its long history of usage by them prior to WWII that has been maintained due to cultural exchange between them since then such as through media or tourism which has kept it alive even until now despite having an alternative native word available for it (Choson).
8. Conclusion
In conclusion, the term “Kankoku” has been used by both Koreans and Japanese people since at least the Tang Dynasty era when Chinese scholars referred to Japan as “Wa” and Korea as “Kan.” Despite having an alternative native word for it (Choson), this name was adopted by many Japanese people in reference to Korea due mainly to cultural exchange between them since then such as through media or tourism which has kept it alive even until now making it one of those few words that have managed survive centuries worth of change despite all odds against them thus making it a testament not only towards how far our cultures have come but also how much further they can go if we continue working together towards a better future for us all!
9. References
[1] “History Of The Name ‘Korea'”, History World International; http://www.historyworldinternational.com/korea/history_of_the_name_korea_1b_011116174546/. [Accessed 15 April 2021].
[ 2] “A Brief History Of The Korean Language”, ThoughtCo; https://www.thoughtco.com/a-brief-history-of-the-korean-language-4070232 [Accessed 15 April 2021].
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - BarCharts Publishing Inc. (Publisher)
[3] “Japanese Occupation Of Korea 1910–1945”, Encyclopedia Britannica; https://www.britannica.com/event/Japanese-occupation-of-Korea [Accessed 15 April 2021].
What does kankoku mean in English Japanese?
English meaning of the noun 寒國. Cold region Cold region.
What do Japanese people call Korea?
Japan. North Korea is called Kita-Chōsen (北朝鮮) in Japan and Kankoku (韓国) in South Korea.
Why is Korea called Hanguk?
Korea in South Korea: Hankook In South Korea as mentioned earlier Hankook (한국韓國) is used for Korea. The word gok in Han Gok comes from a Chinese character that means country or nation so Hong Gok can be read as Han Land.
What do Koreans call Korea?
Name In Korea the Republic of Korea is known as 大雪国 (Republic of Korea literally means Great Nation-State) or simply Hangul (Korean Han usually refers to all of Korea) or Namhan (South Korea). (especially in the Korean context).
Is Hai Hai rude in Japanese?
You have yours. = yes yes / ok ok Saying yes twice is often considered rude behavior in Japan.
Is Ara Ara Japanese or Korean?
Ara Ara ( あ ) is a Japanese expression often used by older women to mean my oh my dear or oh my.
