Unlike in the west where the given name is placed first and family names last like Elon Musk. In Japan traditionally the order is reversed and the family names comes first followed by the given name.
For example a person with the given name Nanae and family name Aoyama is therefore called Aoyama Nanae and not the other way around.
Why Are Japanese People Called By Family Names First?
Well it all links back to formality. The Japanese society is a very formal one and employs a certain etiquette .
Therefore the respectful and polite way to address someone is by their family name.
But it doesn’t stop there you also have to attach specific honorifics to a persons family name depending on their gender and social status.
Japanese Titles/ Honorifics
As mentioned previously, in Japan when addressing someone there are certain rules or etiquette to follow. Depending on the person and social status these honorific are used.
- San(さん) – Placed at the end of the family name for example Honda-san (本田さん) . It can be used for both males and females . San is equivalent to Mr. & Mrs in the west and is used in most situations.
- Sama (様, さま) – Is the Formal version of San and is use for customers or to refer to someone with a higher status.
- Sensei (先生 )- Used for doctors and teachers and others of a higher education.
- Chan (ちゃん) – Is used when addressing children , babies , young women you are close to.
- Kun(君, くん) – Used when referring to a younger males such as younger brother or classmates.
When Can I Call A Japanese Person By Given Name(First Name)
As a rule of thumb calling a Japanese person’s by their first name should be avoided unless they have specifically given you the permission to do so.
Outside the family circle, fundamentally everything ought to be formal. Because calling others by their first name is considered somewhat rude.
It’s not common for Japanese people to use first names and it is normally reserved for inside the family circle, where everybody is casual and intimate.
First names can also be used with close childhood friends or very close coworkers etc.
Conclusion
Everything is situational but my advice is to address Japanese people by family name followed by the appropriate honorifics to avoid making them feel awkward or uncomfortable.