Comment by visajapanthrow

I find it interesting how much the idea of a name can be between different cultures. In the UK, your name is defined by use (although these days there are more databases and records). The courts acknowledge that a person can be known by two different names and names are defined by usage.

In Japan, generally speaking, you're not allowed to change your own name. You have to ask a judge for permission and have a valid reason. I personally, having not grown up in Japan, find it very odd that the state enforces what your name is, perhaps even under protest.