Date:    Thu, 12 Feb 1998 20:35:46 -0500
<br>From:    Kusujiro Miyoshi  kw900325[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]S.SOKA.AC.JP 
<br>Subject: Re: Japan(ese)
<br>
<br>It seems queer that no Japanese comments on this problem.  As a native
<br>Japanese speaker, I think "Japan Alps" is a literal translation of
<br>"Nihon Alps "(or, we also say "Nippon Alps").  This is, needless to
<br>say, a proper noun, and fixed accordingly.  For the adjective of
<br>"Nihon" or "Nippon," we usually say "Nihon-teki" or "Nippon-teki."
<br>The original Japanese word discussed now is a proper noun and not
<br>"Nihon-teki (or, Nippon-teki) Alps."  So, it seems natural for me
<br>to call it "Japan Alps."  Of course, in the case of "Nihon cha,"
<br>which is Japanese tea, and the like, it is translated in that way;
<br>because it is not a proper noun.
<br>
<br>Kusujiro Miyoshi
<br>Soka Women's College,
<br>Tokyo, Japan.
<br>kw900325[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]s.soka.ac.jp
<br>