Why do Chinese or Japanese people have their last names first?

Question

For instance, actress Ziyi Zhang is also known as Zhang Ziyi. Is that traditional?

Answer 1

It's more of an honor thing.

Here, in the west, we identify a person as the individual they are, with minimal importance to a family. In the east, they identify a person with the family they are associated with.

There, deeds were done to honor a family (or brought dishonor to them). Here, those very same acts only brings honor or dishonor to that person. There, the family bond is strong, here, it is only in passing.

Name order reflects that... glorify the individual here... glorify the family there.

And I believe both Chinese and Japanese (as well as Denmark, I believe... I might be a little off) have family name first.

Answer 2

Ayaka Aiko Eiko Emiko Hisaki Hikari Misaki Miyumi Yumi Kuno Mirai Karen Kumiko Sakura Luna Aya Yuiko Hinata Hana Mizuho Ayaho Sakurako Riko Yuka Yuuka Kazuko Miyuki Minami Yuki Haruka Momoka Fuuko Anzu Keiko Kirara

Answer 3

Last names or family names are to be respected more than your own (first name). Family first, you second (that's the way in Japan)

Answer 4

Yes. They are thinking why do people in the west himisphere have their first name before, why do they read their books from left to righ. They were here before America.

Answer 5

Chinese do but Japanese don't. Family is more important so it is first.

Answer 6

...and they're sitting there on the other side of the world wondering why we have our first names last.

Answer 7

to show bloodline. its like..

wong fei-hung : son of wong kei-ying : son of wong tai

Answer 8

i don't know and i don't have that name