One reason could be cultural norms. In Japanese culture, certain names might carry connotations that are considered inappropriate or offensive in a general context. For example, names that are too similar to vulgar words or have negative historical associations. Another reason might be related to the target audience. If the fiction is aimed at a younger or more conservative audience, names that could potentially cause confusion or have a bad influence might be censored. Also, some names may be censored to comply with the editorial or publisher's standards which aim to maintain a certain level of propriety in the translated works.
Often, names are censored in old novels to protect the identities of real people or to prevent potential defamation. It could also be due to cultural or moral considerations of the time.
In many cases, Pulp Fiction has faced some level of censorship, especially when it comes to certain explicit content. This can vary based on local regulations and the medium through which it's being presented.
It can be a bit jarring for some readers. If they are familiar with the original work and suddenly a name is censored, it might disrupt their mental image of the character. However, for those who are only reading the Japanese translation, they might not notice as much. Sometimes, if the censor is well - done, it can blend into the story and not really have a huge impact on the overall reading experience.
You can start by looking at traditional Japanese names and their components. Pay attention to the syllable structure and common endings. For example, names often end with -ko, -mi, or -yama. Also, research Japanese words related to nature, virtues, or colors and incorporate them.
Many of the names are chosen to be relatable to a Japanese audience in terms of their familiarity. At the same time, for international readers, they offer a window into Japanese culture. The names are not just labels but integral parts of the overall narrative fabric in his fictions.
Some common Japanese names in Murakami's fiction might include Toru Watanabe. This name is quite typical, with 'Toru' being a common male name which can give an impression of an ordinary yet somewhat introspective character, which is often the case for his protagonists. And 'Watanabe' is a very common surname in Japan.
Yes, there are some. Some popular yaoi novels have been translated into English by fans or small publishers. You can search for them on websites dedicated to yaoi translations.