Using 音読み to write foreign names


I'm wondering if it's possible or acceptable for foreigners to use 漢字 to write
their names that would usually be written in カタカナ. I know that some names are
already Japanese names such as Ben【勉】, Mary【茉莉】, etc., but is it possible to
use common 音読み to extend this kind of thing further?

For example, maybe Ben【勉】could be extended to Benjamin【勉邪民】, or Thomas could
be written as【斗枡】. Would this type of thing be acceptable or understood, or is
it simply more practical to use the カタカナ versions?




For Western names, practically speaking, Katatana is best. If you're a citizen
of a country where Kanji is used on official documents like your passport,
say... China or Korea, then it is common to use either Kanji or Katakana in
Japan.

For citizens of Western countries, your Kanji name will never be your
"official" name (unless you become a citizen of Japan, Korea, China, etc.)
Almost all Japanese institutions commonly handle alphabetic names at this
point, so even your Katakana name may not be used on official Japanese
documents.

However, some people use a Kanji-fied version of a Western name for their
hanko/inkan, and this is usually acceptable even in government and banking
documents.

So if your name is "Benjamin Button" you could register a hanko/inkan with
your city office or bank with 「勉邪民 牡丹」 on it. As long as there is some clear
link between the Kanji and your name, you most likely wouldn't have any
trouble.




For Western names, practically speaking, Katatana is best. If you're a citizen
of a country where Kanji is used on official documents like your passport,
say... China or Korea, then it is common to use either Kanji or Katakana in
Japan.

For citizens of Western countries, your Kanji name will never be your
"official" name (unless you become a citizen of Japan, Korea, China, etc.)
Almost all Japanese institutions commonly handle alphabetic names at this
point, so even your Katakana name may not be used on official Japanese
documents.

However, some people use a Kanji-fied version of a Western name for their
hanko/inkan, and this is usually acceptable even in government and banking
documents.

So if your name is "Benjamin Button" you could register a hanko/inkan with
your city office or bank with 「勉邪民 牡丹」 on it. As long as there is some clear
link between the Kanji and your name, you most likely wouldn't have any
trouble.

