non-Japanese

adjective

non-Jap·​a·​nese ˌnän-ˌja-pə-ˈnēz How to pronounce non-Japanese (audio)
-ˈnēs
: not of, relating to, or characteristic of Japan or its people : not Japanese
non-Japanese automakers
Americans of non-Japanese descent

Examples of non-Japanese in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are, however, diners who are still skeptical over enjoying sake with non-Japanese cuisine— even more so with Thai cuisine. Cheryl Tiu, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025 As Bobby’s business partner, Chane’s non-Japanese Asian heritage adds some nuance to the authenticity conflict with Yoshido, who refuses to become Robata Chane’s new supplier of binchōtan charcoal, as well as some good Chane-is-dumb jokes. Genevieve Koski, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2025 Nonverbal communication can get non-Japanese speakers a long way, but be aware that not all gestures translate. Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025 It is composed of minor league players from Japan and is managed by Alex Ramirez, a Venezuelan native who was the first non-Japanese player with 2,000 hits in the Nippon Professional Baseball League. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025 These graduates are both Japanese and non-Japanese individuals. Akiko Katayama, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024 Marielle paused in front of a large black-and-white photograph of Bob Fletcher standing in a field, part of a display honoring non-Japanese Americans who helped interned families. Jake Whitney, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024 The luxury boutique is run by Yuji—who serves as international sales manager, handling all non-Japanese clients—and his husband, Tim. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of non-Japanese was in 1859

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Non-Japanese.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/non-Japanese. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!