Tokyo wants media to switch order of Japanese names

Japan aims to set the record straight, at least about its names when pronounced in a foreign language, local media reported on Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Taro Kono plans to meet foreign media to inform them that Japanese use family name first while writing in language other than Japanese, according to Japan Times, a local daily.

The foreign minister gave an example that the international media should write name of Japanese Prime Minister as "Abe Shinzo".

"Japanese names are usually written with the given name coming first when using a foreign language, a practice that began in the 19th to early 20th centuries amid the growing influence of Western culture," the daily said.

This came as Tokyo is set to host G20 summit next month, followed by Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

"I plan to ask international media organizations to do this. Domestic media outlets that have English services should consider it, too," Kono said.