Your Name in Kanji — HARUTAKE's Name to Kanji Tool
What would your name look like carved into a Japanese wood sign?
That's not a hypothetical. With HARUTAKE's Name to Kanji tool, you can find out in seconds — and then engrave it.
What It Does
When you customize a HARUTAKE nameplate, you'll see a "Name to Kanji" button next to the text engraving field. Click it, and a panel slides open on the right side of the screen.
From there:
- Type your name — the tool auto-detects your language
- Choose a conversion mode — Kanji (漢字), Katakana (カタカナ), or Hiragana (ひらがな)
- Hit "Convert to Kanji"
- Pick your character count — 2, 3, or 4 characters
- Browse the results, each showing the pronunciation, the kanji, and its meaning
- Click "Insert into name fields" — your kanji goes straight into the engraving input
No copy-pasting, no guesswork.
More Than a Transliteration
The tool doesn't just match sounds — it finds characters with meaning.
Take "Michael." The tool breaks it into its sounds (/maɪ/ and /kəl/) and suggests kanji that fit both the pronunciation and carry a positive meaning. The result: 真希 — truth and hope.
Each character card shows:
- The sound it represents (in IPA)
- The kanji itself, large and clear
- The primary English meaning
- Additional nuances in the Details section
You can compare 2-, 3-, and 4-character options side by side and choose what feels right.
Kanji, Katakana, or Hiragana?
Not sure which script to use on your sign? Here's a quick guide:
- Kanji — the most traditional choice for nameplates; each character carries meaning
- Katakana — clean and modern; commonly used for foreign names in Japan
- Hiragana — softer and more flowing; less common for nameplates but a valid option
All three are available with a single click.
Why It Matters
In Japan, a nameplate (hyosatsu) isn't just a label — it's a statement. The characters you choose say something about you. Most foreigners who order a Japanese nameplate have to trust someone else's judgment on which kanji to use.
With Name to Kanji, that choice is yours. You see the options, you read the meanings, and you decide.
Coming Soon: Luggage Tags
We're also working on bringing the same craftsmanship to wooden luggage tags — designed to attach to your bag or suitcase.
Like our nameplates, each tag is handcrafted from solid Japanese wood. We're currently developing them in Keyaki (Japanese Zelkova) and Cherry, with the same distinctive surface textures we use on our signs.
One of the things we're most proud of is the carved surface finish. The Ishigaki pattern — a honeycomb-like texture cut directly into the wood — gives each tag a depth and tactility you won't find on a mass-produced luggage tag.
The engraving options will work the same way: your name in kanji, roman letters, or any script you prefer — in laser engraving, black paint, or white paint fill.
Name to Kanji will be available for luggage tags too, so you can bring a piece of Japan with you wherever you travel.
Try It Yourself
Name to Kanji is built into the HARUTAKE product customizer and simulator. Type your name, explore the results, and see which kanji fits you best — before you ever place an order.