What did China call Japan?

Okay, let’s dive into an interesting (and sometimes a bit tricky) topic: What did China historically call Japan? I know, it might sound like a small question, but when you start peeling back the layers, it reveals quite a bit about the historical relationship between these two countries. And, let me tell you, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

The Ancient Names: “Wa” and “Yamato”

First off, let’s talk about ancient times—before all the modern politics and diplomatic drama. If we go way back, the Chinese referred to Japan as "Wa" (), a name that showed up in Chinese records around the 3rd century AD. Now, this wasn’t exactly a friendly term. "Wa" was often used in a somewhat condescending or diminutive way, meaning "dwarf" or "small." I know, not exactly the best first impression, right?

The name "Wa" was mainly used in Chinese texts to describe the people living on the islands to the east. It was a bit of a vague term back then, as China didn’t have a clear understanding of Japan as a unified nation. It was just "that place" across the sea. And to be honest, I think "Wa" kind of reflects how distant and mysterious Japan was to the ancient Chinese.

But as time went on, the Japanese people themselves started to refer to their country as Yamato (). That’s the name that carried much more cultural significance, and it’s tied to the ancient Japanese state. Over time, "Wa" eventually gave way to other names in Chinese, like "Riben" (), which is still used today.

The Shift to "Riben" () – A Modern Understanding

Okay, so here’s where things get a little more interesting. Fast forward to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), when China had much more interaction with Japan. During this time, the Chinese started using the name "Riben" (), which is literally "sun origin" or "origin of the sun." Why? Well, Japan’s name in Japanese, Nihon or Nippon, comes from the same characters. It refers to Japan's geographical position to the east of China, where the sun rises. Symbolically, it paints Japan as the land of the rising sun, which is pretty cool, right?

This name was much more respectful and accurate, especially as diplomatic relations became more formalized between the two nations. "Riben" or "Nihon" reflected Japan's cultural identity and its growing power in East Asia, moving away from the old, somewhat derogatory "Wa."

"Wa" vs. "Nihon": A Symbol of Changing Relations

Here’s where the drama unfolds a bit more. The shift from "Wa" to "Riben" or "Nihon" wasn’t just a matter of vocabulary; it was a sign of how China’s perception of Japan had evolved. In the early centuries, Japan was seen as somewhat of an insular, mysterious neighbor—smaller, culturally distinct, and often relegated to the fringes of the Chinese worldview.

But by the time of the Tang Dynasty, Japan had begun to assert itself as an independent and significant cultural entity. It had started adopting Chinese characters, embracing Chinese culture, and even sending emissaries to China for knowledge exchange. So, when China began to use "Riben," it was almost like an acknowledgment of Japan’s rising cultural and political status.

And Now? "Riben" Sticks

Fast forward to today, and the name Riben () has stuck. It’s the official name in Chinese for Japan, and it’s what you’ll hear in all formal and informal contexts. In fact, "Nihon" or "Nippon" are used in Japan to refer to their own country, but to the Chinese, it’s still "Riben"—a bit like how you might refer to Germany as "Deutschland" in German, but the rest of the world uses "Germany."

It’s funny because these names might seem like small details, but they actually show how the relationship between countries evolves. The name "Riben" doesn’t just mean "the land of the rising sun"; it represents a shift from an old, somewhat one-sided view of Japan to a more equal, respectful recognition of its status.

But What About the Politics?

Now, you might be thinking: Okay, cool history lesson, but what does this all mean today? Well, while the name "Riben" is largely neutral and respectful, the relationship between China and Japan has been, well, complicated. Let’s be honest, there’s a lot of history there—centuries of conflict, colonization, and war. So, the use of these names today isn’t just about language; it’s also wrapped up in some political and cultural baggage.

For example, during the Second World War, Japan’s invasion of China left deep scars. Even today, some older Chinese people might use terms like "Wa" or something more derogatory in a nostalgic, bitter sense when referring to Japan. But in diplomatic and official terms, "Riben" remains the go-to.

A Personal Reflection

When I traveled to both China and Japan a few years ago, I couldn't help but notice the differences in how the two countries perceive each other. I visited both Beijing and Tokyo, and while both cities were bustling with energy and modernity, there was this underlying tension when discussing their shared history. For the Chinese, Japan is a country they respect, but also a country with a painful past. For the Japanese, China is an ancient civilization they admire, but the history of war and politics remains a sensitive subject.

It was interesting to see that, despite the political tension, the name "Riben" was used in everyday conversation, and it felt like the language was a way of signaling respect, even if the relationship was, at times, strained.

Conclusion: Names Matter

So, in the end, what did China call Japan? It started with "Wa," a somewhat dismissive term, then evolved to "Riben," reflecting a more respectful and culturally significant name. It’s kind of wild how much history is tied up in a simple name, right? It’s not just about language; it’s about how two countries perceive each other over time, and how that perception shifts with politics, culture, and mutual respect.

It’s a reminder that names aren’t just words; they carry centuries of history, and even in today’s modern world, they still reflect the complexities of international relationships. So, the next time you hear "Riben," or "Nihon," or even "Wa," remember—it’s more than just a label; it’s a symbol of how far these two nations have come, and how far they still have to go.

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