Name → Kanji

Transform your name into powerful Japanese characters

Pronunciation Guide

Basic Sounds

Enter your name using these Roman letter combinations:

a, i, u, e, o
ka, ki, ku, ke, ko
sa, shi, su, se, so
ta, chi, tsu, te, to
na, ni, nu, ne, no
ha, hi, fu, he, ho
ma, mi, mu, me, mo
ya, yu, yo
ra, ri, ru, re, ro
wa, n
ga, gi, gu, ge, go
za, zi, zu, ze, zo
da, di, du, de, do
ba, bi, bu, be, bo
pa, pi, pu, pe, po

Special Sounds

ja, ju, jo
sha, shu, sho
cha, chu, cho
kyu, kyo
ryu

Complex Sounds

For complex sounds, combine basic sounds:

  • kya → ki + ya
  • nya → ni + ya
  • hyo → hi + yo
  • mya → mi + ya
  • pya → pi + ya
  • je → ji + e

Input Tips

Please replace these letters when entering your name:

  • V → B (e.g., "Vincent" → "Binsento")
  • L → R (e.g., "Laura" → "Raura / Rora")
  • C → K or S (e.g., "Carl" → "Karu", "Cecilia" → "Sesiria")
  • Q → K (e.g., "Quinn" → "Kuin")
  • X → KS (e.g., "Max" → "Makusu")
  • TH → T or S (e.g., "Thomas" → "Tomasu")
  • PH → F (e.g., "Philip" → "Firipu")
  • W → U (except "wa") (e.g., "William" → "Uiriamu")

Manual Splitting with Hyphens

You can use hyphens (-) to control how your name is split into syllables:

  • ki-nen → ki + nen (記念 = commemoration)
  • kin-en → kin + en (禁煙 = no smoking)
  • ko-neko → ko + ne + ko (子猫 = kitten)
  • kon-eko → kon + e + ko (different meaning)

💡 Tip: Use hyphens when the automatic splitting doesn't give you the result you want!

Examples

  • Steven → Sutiben → 澄定勉
  • Jessica → Jeshika → 時永詩火
  • Alexander → Arekusanda → 愛礼駆山大
  • Vincent → Binsento → 敏泉刀
  • Mark → Maku / Maaku → 馬紅 / 真明駆

Type how your name sounds, not how it's spelled

Click the '?' icon in the top right for a pronunciation guide!

Creating your unique kanji...

Examples

Michael → Maikeru 真威剣流
Sarah → Sara 彩羅
Elizabeth → Erizabesu 永理座辺朱
David → Deibido 出威美道
Sonney → Sa-nii 桜虹彩
Veneziano → Be-nechia-no 辺根千愛乃

About This Tool

⚠️ Important Notice

This is a joke/entertainment tool that forcibly converts non-Japanese names into kanji characters. The results are NOT authentic Japanese names and should NOT be used for tattoos, commercial designs, or official purposes without proper verification from a Japanese language expert.

Are these real Japanese names?

No, they are not. While occasionally the results might accidentally resemble actual Japanese names (for example, the name “Lisa” could become 理彩 (Risa), which looks like a real name), the vast majority are completely unnatural and would seem strange to native Japanese speakers. Think of it as creating "anime-style" fantasy names rather than authentic Japanese names.

Why don't these names work in Japanese?

The Japanese language is incredibly complex when it comes to kanji:

  • Context matters: The same kanji can have completely different pronunciations depending on what characters come before or after it.
  • Multiple readings: Each kanji typically has several different ways to read it (on'yomi and kun'yomi), and the correct one depends on context.
  • Compound meanings: When kanji are combined, they often create entirely new meanings that aren't simply the sum of their parts.
  • Regional variations: Different regions in Japan may have unique readings for certain character combinations.
  • Name conventions: Japanese names follow specific cultural patterns and conventions that this tool cannot replicate.

What is this tool good for?

This converter is perfect for:

  • Creating fictional character names for games, stories, or creative projects
  • Understanding basic kanji meanings in a fun way
  • Getting inspiration for artistic projects
  • Entertainment and educational exploration

How does it work?

The tool uses a phonetic approach, breaking down the pronunciation of your name into syllables and matching them with kanji that have "cool" meanings like fire (火), sword (剣), or beauty (美). While the results might look impressive, they're essentially random combinations that prioritize aesthetic appeal over linguistic accuracy.

A word of caution

If you're considering using these kanji for anything permanent or official, please consult with a native Japanese speaker or a qualified Japanese language teacher first. What might look cool to you could potentially be embarrassing, meaningless, or even offensive in actual Japanese.

Commercial Use & Professional Services

If you wish to use kanji or Japanese language for commercial designs or branding, please contact Japanify Works. Japanify Works is a service run by AMIX, a design office with over 10 years of experience in Japan.

Disclaimer: This tool is for entertainment purposes only. The creators are not responsible for any misuse of the generated kanji combinations. Always verify with qualified experts before using these results for any serious purpose.