Free Tool
Your Name in Kanji
Ateji — the traditional art of writing foreign names in kanji chosen for sound and meaning. Pick your favorite characters.
FAQ
Is this my “official” Japanese name?
No — foreign names are officially written in katakana. Kanji ateji is a decorative tradition with a long history, from Edo-era 亜米利加 (America) to the name seals sold in Japan today. We show both, clearly labeled.
Could my name accidentally mean something bad?
Not here. Every candidate kanji is hand-picked from a reviewed list — positive or neutral meanings only, real readings only, no unlucky characters, no made-up kanji.
Why can I choose between kanji?
Ateji has no single correct answer — choosing the meaning is the tradition, and it's exactly what Japanese parents do when naming a baby. There is no one “right” spelling; the right one is the one that resonates with you.
Can I use this for a tattoo?
It's your call — but because tattoos are permanent, confirm the exact characters with a Japanese speaker first, and ask your artist to follow the stroke forms closely. Our cards use a proper Japanese typeface, which is a good reference.