Is a person's name important according to Japanese culture?

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nb.sushi

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I've noticed a recent trend with the mangas/animes that I read where a person's name is very important.
For example, in XXXHOLiC, Yuko Ichihara clearly points out in the first chapter that a person's name isn't something they should give out so easily. Also, in Death Note if a notebook carrier has someone's name (and face) they have the power to kill that someone. Let's not forget, in the movie Spirited Away, Yubaba attempts to steal Chihiro's name. Haku already had his name taken. Another one is in YuGiOh where the Pharoh must recover his name in order to save the world.
There are many other exmaples of characters selling their names (or idenities) but I'm going to keep this brief. Is there like a Japanese proverb or something that explains not to give your name out so easily? Or am I just over-thinking this?
Thank you very much :)
 
stop watching cartoons.......wtf



names are important in every culture.

in japanese first and last are usually given meaning that relates to his family, or situation is very common also.


and yes, your over thinking this way to much.
 
Yes. On a language level, keep in mind that pronouns like you, he and she are often replaced with names.
On a cultural level, you're dealing with ancient Japanese beliefs regarding "kotobadamashii" 言葉é*‚ - the spirit of words. Before Chinese influence, Japanese religion was largely animistic, and the spirit of an object was closely related to its name - a theme seen in many folktales. Some have even argued that Japanese did not begin writing their own language until rather late because of fears related to the reprecussions of having a word tied down forever. (Apparently, Chinese was safe to write in though... lol). Miyazaki almost always uses ancient Japanese beliefs/stories in his works.
 
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