What Does Japan Call Resident Evil?
Resident Evil, a popular survival horror video game series, has a unique name in Japan that has sparked curiosity among fans worldwide. While many of us are familiar with the game’s original name, Biohazard, few know that the name was changed to avoid trademark issues. In this article, we’ll delve into the history behind the name change and explore what Japan calls Resident Evil.
The Origins of the Name Change
The original name of the game was intended to be Biohazard, a term that refers to a biological substance that poses a significant threat to human health. However, when Capcom, the game’s developer, tried to register the name in the United States, they faced a major hurdle. Two other brands, a Japanese manga and an American film, had already claimed the name Biohazard first. This meant that Capcom couldn’t trademark the name without infringing on existing rights.
The Birth of a New Name
To avoid the trademark issues, Capcom decided to rename the game. In 1996, the game was released in Japan as Biohazard, while in North America and Europe, it was launched as Resident Evil. The new name was chosen to reflect the game’s focus on horror and survival, as well as its Western market appeal.
The Japanese Name
In Japan, the game is still known as Biohazard, with subsequent titles in the series following the same naming convention. The Japanese name is a direct translation of the original name, reflecting the game’s roots in Japanese culture. Here’s a breakdown of the Japanese names for each Resident Evil game:
| Game | Japanese Name |
|---|---|
| Resident Evil 1 | Biohazard |
| Resident Evil 2 | Biohazard 2 |
| Resident Evil 3 | Biohazard 3: Last Escape |
| Resident Evil 4 | Biohazard 4 |
| Resident Evil 5 | Biohazard 5: Veritas in Verba |
| Resident Evil 6 | Biohazard 6 |
| Resident Evil 7 | Biohazard 7: Vendeniya no Dasshutsu |
| Resident Evil Village | Biohazard RE: Village |
Subsequent Titles
While the Japanese name remains consistent throughout the series, some games have undergone minor name changes in Japan. For example, Resident Evil 4 was released as Biohazard 4 in Japan, while Resident Evil 7 was titled Biohazard 7: Vendeniya no Dasshutsu. These changes reflect the game’s continued focus on horror and survival, as well as its connection to the Japanese market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Japan calls Resident Evil Biohazard, a name that reflects the game’s roots in Japanese culture and its focus on horror and survival. While the name may have undergone changes in other regions, the Japanese name has remained consistent throughout the series. Whether you’re a fan of the original game or a newcomer to the series, understanding the name change can add depth and context to your experience.
Additional Fun Facts
- The Japanese name Biohazard is a direct translation of the original name, while Resident Evil is a more Westernized title.
- The name change was made to avoid trademark issues, allowing Capcom to establish a unique identity for the game in the Western market.
- The Japanese name Biohazard has been used consistently throughout the series, while the Western name Resident Evil has undergone some changes.
- The name change has had a lasting impact on the game’s popularity, with some fans preferring the original Japanese name while others prefer the Westernized title.
I hope you found this article informative and interesting! Let me know if you have any further questions or if there’s anything else I can help you with.