Happy is not happy: Japan man faces bullying as child, struggles in love, work due to odd name

SHANGHAI: A 27-year-old Japanese man has trended on social media because his unconventional name of “Happy” has brought him just the opposite.

After Terauchi Happy’s story was reported by ABEMA Prime TV at the end of March, a heated discussion about unusual names was triggered on the internet.

His name was given to him by his mother to mark the overwhelming joy she felt when Terauchi, her first child, was born.

But she did not expect his name would bring him so much trouble.

Terauchi’s name attracted much attention at school and led to him being bullied.

He hates birthdays or holidays because people would greet him using the word happy, such as Happy Birthday and Happy Valentine’s Day, which would lead to ridicule.

Terauchi said he wanted to change his name when he was at secondary school, but soon gave up on the idea because he understood his mother’s feeling behind his name, adding that he bore no grudge towards her.

When his name was called at his college’s opening ceremony, everyone turned their attention to him, making him feel despair and helplessness.

His name also hindered his quest to find a job as many companies came to the conclusion that he was pranking them.

This negativity also hit romantic relationships due to the reaction of the parents of would-be girlfriends.

“For the older generation, they still do not accept non-mainstream names,” Terauchi was quoted as saying.

The turning point came after he finally began working.

He said some clients were impressed by his name, while some said the business card bearing his name would bring them good fortune.

“I am happy when hearing this. Luckily I did not change my name to an ordinary one,” he said.

“Now when I tell others my name, I do not feel bad. This is the biggest change for me.”

Sasago Akemi, a 30-something woman in Japan, who chose the homophonic name “Smile” for her nine-year-old daughter, said she was concerned the girl would experience similar problems, after she read Terauchi’s story.

“I hoped she would always smile. But now I am worried that her name would affect her school life, finding jobs and getting married,” said Sasago. – South China Morning Post/ANN