'Japan' originates from the Chinese word '日本' (Rìběn), meaning 'origin of the sun', which was adapted into the Malay word 'Jepang', and eventually into the Portuguese 'Japão', leading to the English 'Japan'.

'日本' (Rìběn) was adapted into the Malay word 'Jepang', which was then transformed into the Portuguese 'Japão', and eventually became the modern English word 'Japan'.

Initially, it meant 'origin of the sun', referring to Japan's eastern position relative to China, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.