You'll never forget them once you hear them! A collection of unusual Okinawan surnames

Former professional boxer Yoko Gushiken and model Kurara Chibana.
Have you ever noticed that Okinawan surnames are a little unusual?

The reason for this dates back to the 17th century.
There was a period when Okinawa, back when it was still the Ryukyu Kingdom, was under the control of the Satsuma Domain.

When interacting with China, it was said that "Japanese-style names would be a disadvantage in trade," which forced people to change their Japanese-sounding surnames or alter the characters used in them.

Before I explain the reasons, just take a look.
This time, we've picked out some particularly interesting Okinawan surnames!

*This information is current as of September 2018, and there are said to be various theories regarding its origin.

<Contents>
1. A difficult-to-read surname that is practically impossible to decipher at first glance!
1-1 Sukama
1-2 Yamanyu end
1-3 Gajoko
1-4 Raoheina
1-5 Kiyan
1-6 Nakamura Channel
1-7 Carpenter's Workshop
2. They sound the same! But the kanji characters are slightly different.
2-1 Nakamura
2-2 Maeda
2-3 Fukuhara
2-4 Tokuyama
2-5 Tomakoshi
3. Rare even in Okinawa! A surname shared by fewer than 100 people in the prefecture.
3-1 Makyo name
3-2 Combined Section
3-3 Gohamamon
3-4 Mae-Iremon
4. Conclusion

1. A difficult-to-read surname that is practically impossible to decipher at first glance!

At first glance, let's pick out five surnames that are impossible to decipher!
Let's get started.

1-1 Sukama

Pronunciation: Sugama, Sukama, Sukura, Shuken
The name originates from the place name Shimojisukama in Miyako Island. This place name still exists today, and it is a common surname in this area of Miyako Island.

There are only 1,800 people with this surname nationwide. It's a rare surname that you probably won't encounter very often.

1-2 Yamanyu end

Pronunciation: yamanoha
The family originates from Yamairiha in Nago Magiri, in the northern part of Okinawa Island, and it is said that 1,600 out of 1,800 people with this family nationwide live in Okinawa.

A very Okinawan surname. Where did the "no" in "Yamato" come from?

1-3 Gajoko

Pronunciation: Ganeko, Kaneko, Gajoko, Aniko
Its roots lie in Ginowan, Magiri Ganeko, in southern Okinawa.

Even if we generously accept that "Ganeko" is understandable, "Aniko" is a completely different thing! That's what I want to point out.

The nickname "Gajoko" sounds kind of cute (lol).

1-4 Raoheina

Pronunciation: Yohena, Nohina, Nohena, Yorohena
It originates from Yohena on Yagaji Island, an outlying island accessible by car from Okinawa Main Island. As with the previously mentioned Ganeko, the same kanji can have a wide variety of pronunciations.

Besides Okinawa, Osaka Prefecture also ranked second. When you visit "Little Okinawa," which has a large population of people who have moved to Okinawa, be sure to look for it!

1-5 Kiyan

Pronunciation: kyan, kiyatake, kiyataki, kiyashi
"How many can you read? A drive around Okinawa visiting its difficult-to-read place names."But I also introduced Kiyan.

The name's etymology comes from the meaning of the southernmost point of the island, and its roots lie in Itoman in southern Okinawa. Since there's a member of a certain famous band with this surname, it seems to be gradually becoming more widespread recently.

1-6 Nakamura Channel

Pronunciation: Nakandakari
This kanji, "渠," is apparently pronounced "kyo," but I've never seen it used anywhere other than in Nakandakari-san's work.

Before even considering how rare it is, I'm starting to get overwhelmed trying to figure out where and how to add the furigana (pronunciation guides)... My head is about to explode.

1-7 Carpenter's Workshop

Pronunciation: Takue, Rakujaku, Dakujaku
It is said that the area has its roots in the present-day Goeku Magiri district of Okinawa City, and that the characters were chosen because there were many carpenters there. I see!

2. They sound the same! But the kanji characters are slightly different.

Next, we'll introduce some surnames that you might recognize, but that will make you go "Huh?!" when you see their name tags.

The reason these kanji characters were used is due to a historical background: people from the Ryukyu Kingdom were forbidden from having Japanese-style names.

2-1 Nakamura

Pronunciation: Nakamura
The surname Nakamura, which seems to be found all over Japan (no offense!), ranks 8th among the most common Japanese surnames. On the other hand, the surname Nakamura, which has the radical for "person," ranks 669th, a significant difference!

Incidentally, I was surprised to learn that actor Toru Nakamura is not from Okinawa.

2-2 Maeda

Pronunciation: Maeda, Masata, Saeda, Shin'eida
Those who frequently travel to Okinawa may be familiar with this street, which is located near Cape Maeda in the central part of Okinawa Island.

I've met Mr. Maeda many times, but does someone named Shin'eida really exist?

2-3 Fukuhara

Pronunciation: Fukuhara
As you can see from the reading, it's Fukuhara-san. The pronunciation itself isn't difficult, but if you just hear the sound, you'll probably think of Fukuhara.

2-4 Tokuyama

Pronunciation: Tokuyama, Watakuyama, Watahiyama
Let's just go with Tokuyama without overthinking it.

2-5 Tomakoshi

Pronunciation: Funakoshi
When you hear the name Funakoshi, the first thing that comes to mind is Funakoshi, but if it's a surname unique to Okinawa, it's Funakoshi.
It feels like the sounds were simply assigned to kanji characters.