Learn Japanese FAQ

Q: Konnichiwa, Richard! I have kind of an odd question for you. How do people file things in Japan?? Obviously in America we use alphabetical order, or A through Z. Do the Japanese have an alphabetical order? Thanks!! Dewa mata! ~Stephanie

A: Hi Stephanie,

Very good question this!  There is indeed a Japanese order of filing.  It’s simply based on the あいうえお order that you learn hiragana or katakana in. (Remembering, of course, that you read the hiragana/katakana table from right to left!)

So for example if you had files for Mr Tanaka, Mr Watanabe and Mrs Ono, you’d file them under ta, wa, and o.

Once you get the hang of it it’s pretty similar to what we use!

Be genki,

Richard