How to Say Kogonada: An Exploration of the Name and its Significance

In recent years, the name “Kogonada” has risen to prominence, primarily due to the critically acclaimed work of the filmmaker who adopted it as a pseudonym. Best known for films like Columbus (2017) and After Yang (2021), Kogonada is recognized for his minimalist storytelling, thoughtful use of space, and deliberate attention to detail. However, a recurring question for many new fans is how to say “Kogonada” correctly.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the origins of the name “Kogonada,” how to pronounce it, and its broader cultural significance. We will also analyze why Kogonada, as a filmmaker, chose this name and how it ties into his work’s philosophy. By the end of this blog, you’ll have a deeper understanding of both the name and the artist behind it.

The Origins of the Name “Kogonada”

Before understanding how to say “Kogonada,” it’s essential to explore the origins and meaning behind the name. The filmmaker, of South Korean descent, adopted this pseudonym in homage to the Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu, one of the most influential directors in cinema history. “Kogonada” refers to Kogo Noda, Ozu’s long-time screenwriting collaborator, who co-wrote many of Ozu’s masterpieces, including Tokyo Story (1953) and Late Spring (1949).

The decision to adopt the name Kogonada reflects the filmmaker’s deep admiration for Ozu’s work and Noda’s contributions to Ozu’s minimalist yet profound storytelling style. Kogonada’s own filmmaking, much like Ozu’s, is often characterized by its subtlety, deep emotional resonance, and meditative pacing.

How to Pronounce “Kogonada”

To understand how to say “Kogonada,” let’s break it down:

• Kogo: The first part, “Kogo,” is pronounced koh-goh. The vowels are short, and the syllables should flow smoothly together. The “K” is sharp, while the “go” has a soft but distinct emphasis.
• Nada: The second part, “nada,” is pronounced nah-dah. Both syllables are evenly stressed, with the “a” in “nah” and “dah” sounding like the “a” in “father.”

Thus, when said together, the correct pronunciation of “Kogonada” is koh-goh-nah-dah.

The key to saying it correctly lies in ensuring each syllable is articulated clearly without overemphasizing any single part. It’s a name that rolls off the tongue in a rhythm that mirrors the quiet precision of the artist’s films.

Why Kogonada Chose This Name

Choosing a pseudonym is often a reflection of an artist’s values or influences, and for Kogonada, the name choice was no accident. Yasujiro Ozu’s films have long been associated with a certain calmness, a focus on everyday life, and an appreciation for small, quiet moments. Noda’s collaboration with Ozu was critical in shaping these films, particularly in the way dialogue and silence interacted within Ozu’s cinematic universe.

By taking on the name “Kogonada,” the filmmaker aligns himself with a specific filmmaking tradition—one that values subtlety, depth, and precision. Just as Noda contributed to Ozu’s ability to portray the profound in the mundane, Kogonada similarly explores themes of human connection, cultural dissonance, and the passage of time in his films.

Kogonada’s films frequently feature static camera shots, symmetrical compositions, and characters contemplating life’s larger questions in minimalist settings. The name “Kogonada” thus symbolizes his commitment to this style of filmmaking, and choosing this name serves as a tribute to the art of careful storytelling.

The Broader Cultural Context

For many, the name Kogonada immediately conjures a sense of mystery, and this mystery extends beyond just the name to the filmmaker’s life as well. Kogonada is famously reclusive about his personal life, with little information available about his real identity. This, combined with his unique choice of pseudonym, suggests a deliberate attempt to shift the focus away from the individual and onto the work itself.

By adopting a name connected to the legacy of Ozu and Noda, Kogonada also aligns his filmmaking within a broader East Asian cultural context, embracing a history of cinema that values restraint and introspection. It also raises interesting questions about identity and authorship. In a world where filmmakers often become celebrities in their own right, Kogonada’s choice to hide behind a name suggests that the work, not the creator, should take center stage.

This choice can be interpreted as a rejection of the modern cult of personality that often surrounds directors. Instead, the focus remains firmly on the themes and craftsmanship of his films, which themselves are deeply influenced by Eastern philosophical traditions, particularly Buddhism and Confucianism. These philosophies, much like Kogonada’s films, emphasize the impermanence of life, the importance of mindfulness, and the beauty of simplicity.

The Importance of Saying Names Correctly

The question of how to say “Kogonada” isn’t just about phonetics—it’s also about respect and cultural sensitivity. Names hold power, and they are often tied to personal identity, heritage, and history. Pronouncing someone’s name correctly is a sign of acknowledgment and respect, particularly when that name is chosen to honor a significant cultural or artistic lineage.

In the case of Kogonada, saying the name correctly not only shows respect for the filmmaker but also for the artistic tradition he represents. Kogonada’s films are a continuation of a specific style of filmmaking, one that prioritizes introspection, silence, and the unspoken moments between people. By pronouncing his name properly, we pay tribute to the artistry and history that inform his work.

Kogonada’s Films and Their Connection to His Name

Kogonada’s films are a natural extension of the name he has chosen. His debut film, Columbus (2017), is a prime example of how his work is informed by the minimalist style that Ozu and Noda perfected. Set in the Midwestern city of Columbus, Indiana, known for its modernist architecture, the film follows two characters as they navigate their personal crises in the quiet, reflective spaces of the city.

The film’s visual style mirrors the calm, composed aesthetics of Ozu’s work. Long takes, symmetrical framing, and a focus on the interaction between architecture and human emotion all point back to the careful, deliberate storytelling that Noda and Ozu were known for. In this way, the name “Kogonada” is more than just a tribute—it’s a statement of intent.

Similarly, Kogonada’s follow-up film, After Yang (2021), delves into questions of identity, memory, and human connection through a futuristic, yet emotionally grounded lens. Once again, the film’s slow pacing and meditative quality reflect the filmmaker’s connection to the principles embodied in the name Kogonada. By focusing on the subtle, quiet moments between characters, the film continues the tradition of finding profundity in simplicity.

Conclusion

Understanding how to say “Kogonada” correctly goes beyond mere pronunciation. It opens up a window into the filmmaker’s influences, his artistic philosophy, and the cultural significance of the name itself. Pronounced koh-goh-nah-dah, the name is a tribute to Kogo Noda, the screenwriter who collaborated with Ozu on some of the most important films in cinema history.

For Kogonada, adopting this name signals his alignment with a specific tradition of filmmaking, one that values subtlety, mindfulness, and the beauty of everyday moments. In a world where so much attention is placed on spectacle and celebrity, Kogonada’s work stands as a reminder of the power of simplicity and the profound impact of small, quiet stories.

By saying his name correctly, we not only show respect for the filmmaker but also for the artistic lineage that he represents. So, the next time someone asks how to say “Kogonada,” you can confidently respond with the knowledge that this name is more than just a pseudonym—it’s a reflection of a deeply rooted cinematic philosophy.