Akira Kobayashi

Help with a character in my story?

Character Name?
Okay so one of the characters in fantasy story I'm working on is named Kobayashi (surname) Akira (first name).

Since I'm not japanese I dunno if that's an alright name for a male character. Is it? I was also thinking Takashi but that's kinda common. Any suggestions? This character is the stepfather of the main character. He's not a major character but major enough to affect the storyline and fate of the main characters.

Also, since my story is based in a Western country with many western characters, when I mention this character should I place his first name first? Or his surname first?

Thanks ^_^

Akira, as far as I know, is a name often used for boys. You could also try Kenishii (sp?) but since the surname already starts with a K, it would sound a little awkward. Or perhaps Hideo (am adding a link to more Japanese names for you ^_^ )

Your story is set in a western country. Then it might be more appropriate that you, and your other characters call him by his first name first, then his second name. Because in western countries, we're used to doing it like that. But your Japanese character might object to his name being called out like that, which shows his eastern background and values. Or he could insist that he should be named with his second name first, then his first name.

Makes me wonder, what would "first name" be in Japanese, if they always put it second?

Plains Wanderer Trailer (in Japanese)