Myōji

Myōji (名字), also written as 苗字, refers to the Japanese family name or surname. In Japanese naming order, the myōji comes first, followed by the given name — the reverse of Western convention. For example, in the name Tanaka Tarō (田中太郎), Tanaka is the myōji. Japan is estimated to have between 100,000 and 300,000 distinct surnames, making it one of the most diverse surname systems in the world.

Historical Development

For most of Japanese history, surnames were a privilege of the aristocracy and samurai class. Commoners were generally forbidden from using surnames during the Edo period (1603–1868). It was only after the Meiji Restoration in 1868 that the government required all citizens to adopt a family name. This led to an explosion of new surnames, many derived from geographic features, occupations, or the landscape near a family's home. Names like Yamamoto (山本, 'base of the mountain'), Tanaka (田中, 'in the rice field'), and Watanabe (渡辺, 'crossing point') reflect this geographic origin.

Modern Usage

Today, Japanese law requires married couples to share a single surname under the Civil Code, a topic of ongoing social debate. In formal and business settings, people are typically addressed by their myōji plus an honorific such as -san or -sama. The diversity of Japanese surnames means that unusual readings and rare kanji combinations are common, sometimes requiring the bearer to explain the correct pronunciation of their own name.