Addressing a note to a Japanese recipient

[WoodrowFan]

Hi. Dumb question., I used to know this but have forgotten. I got an email at work from a student who signed her note "Ms A B" When I address her should I address my note to "Ms A"? "Ms. B"? "Ms A B"?? thanks,

[Spider Jerusalem]

1. A Japanese from Japan, or a Japanese-American?

That would make a difference. The standard in Japan is family name first, then given name; but a Japanese-American would likely reverse the order to conform with cultural standards.

[WoodrowFan]

2. good question

She is a student in Japan learning English.

[Spider Jerusalem]

4. Ah.

Well, it would probably be helpful to Google the name combination; if you're uncertain, that should be an easy way to determine which is the family name and which the given name.

[WoodrowFan]

5. good idea!

thanks!

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. Is one of the names all capitals? They will often capitalize the family

name, so that you don't have to worry about where it's placed.

Though actually I'm not sure what your question is - is she in Japan? Or of Japanese descent, living in the US going to school here? If the latter, you address it like you would to anyone in the US.

If you really want to be formal and proper, address to family-name-san.

If she's your student, I'm surprised you don't know what her family name is, if that's the issue.

I'm all very confused.