I have a serious question about traditional Japanese names. I noticed that Buddhist and artist names tended to be more eccentric; less of a flow like many Samurai family names (Tokugawa or Miyamoto for example). I sense that it is intentionally intellectual to use more difficult syllables to tease the tongue. They are thoughtful sounding and deliberate. One thing I would like to know is the translation of such names, or are they nonsense, just fun combinations of syllables?

Welcome Kamo Ahiru to Jappleng! I hope you will enjoy your stay here :)[br][br]I'm no expert in Japanese names but I find your question to be very interesting. As far as I can tell, celebrity pen names are likely influenced by people they admire or just the liking of how something sounds. Certain names are trendy and these trends change every few years. As far as those pen names being intellectual, I'd imagine that you're thinking too deeply into it but I could be wrong.[br][br]There is usually deep meaning behind Japanese names, some which are unfortunate when read the wrong way but usually parents like to give their children names of significance. Unfortunately as of lately, many parents have opted to named their child based off of a celebrity or fictitious character such as what you would find in an anime.[br][br]Miyamoto does have meaning and translates to the base part of a shrine. Incidentally I would highly recommend a book called "The book of five rings" which is about a famous swordsman known as Miyamoto Musashi.[br][br]I'm not sure what Tokugawa means, I believe it's just a family name and of course a period in Japan. Nonsense names do exist, not every name has a meaning behind it. I hope this was helpful, names aren't my specialty haha :)[br]