Japanese and Japanese inspired betta names

[Tamyu]

Since joining this forum, I have noticed a huge number of betta names are either Japanese or Japanese inspired.

I am kind of curious about it, since bettas are from Thailand not Japan.

If your betta has a "Japanese" name, why did you choose it? Is it because bettas are sometimes called Japanese fighting fish? Or because of anime? Or because you are learning Japanese? Or...some other reason?

[nel3]

i got 3 of that type. Nel, Nelliel, Grimmjow from bleach characters. Nel is also the shortend version my brother gave him (bubble face nelson) which was a bit too long imo. the other 2 are colour and tail coordinated to the name which is what i usually do in case of my pets' names.

[Sheldon31]

Kyon is a character from one of my favourite Anime, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. My other favourite is Chobits so he was almost Hideki :)

[Bombalurina]

I think they are just really cool sounding names. Bettas look amazing in Japanese "zen" set-ups, so it seems appropriate. :)

That being said, I can't break away from my Greek theme. :p

[nel3]

Originally Posted by Bombalurina

I think they are just really cool sounding names. Bettas look amazing in Japanese "zen" set-ups, so it seems appropriate. :)

That being said, I can't break away from my Greek theme. :p

i had such an idea for mine but couldnt find appropriate decor in any stores i know of. most of the decor i have is greek wall ruins (4-5 inches tall). i did used to keep a greek wall ruin background pic for my 2.5g but i havent bothered to use it lately.

[Tamyu]

To me, bettas in Japanese/zen style setups look weird and like they are out of place. They just don't fit in... Bettas have an "Asian" look to them, but a very different Asia, in my opinion. There is a strong association with Thailand. But I guess if you are not familiar with Asia, it all ends up kind of lumped together.

[Bombalurina]

I just love the look of a perfectly formed betta (symmetrical conformation, perfect colour) in a simple zen garden-esque setup. :)

That being said, both of my fish tanks are totally natural, barring a Thai buddah in one, and a Thai village in my CRS tank...so I suppose I like a Thai sort of look too. :p

[dramaqueen]

I was looking at behindthename.com and found the name Makoto and liked it. It means sincerity in Japanese.

[inareverie85]

I actually have three betta named Sashimi, Bento, and Fugu :P

[SpookyTooth]

I called my betta Kaze because he reminds me of a gentle breeze. The way he flows around his tank and is always on the move just made me think of the wind... which ironically is something I don't get to feel much (at home a lot).

I thought I'd call him "Kaze" (Japanese for wind) instead of "Wind" or "Windy" because I simply preferred it hah. Japanese is a language that I've always liked... though foreign languages intrigue me no end anyway.

I understand where you're coming from though, it can be a bit confusing.