* As an adjective: When used to describe something from Japan (e.g., "Japanese culture," "Japanese food"), it's not a proper noun.
* As a noun: When referring to the people of Japan as a collective (e.g., "The Japanese are known for their politeness"), it's not a proper noun.
* As a nationality: When referring to a specific individual's nationality (e.g., "She is Japanese"), it's not a proper noun.
* As a language: When referring to the language spoken in Japan (e.g., "I am learning Japanese"), it's not a proper noun.
However, there are some instances where "Japanese" might be considered a proper noun:
* When referring to a specific group of Japanese people: For example, "The Japanese delegation arrived today" could be considered a proper noun.
* When used as a name: For example, if someone named their child "Japanese," it would be a proper noun.
In general, "Japanese" is a common noun, not a proper noun, unless it's used in specific contexts where it refers to a unique and individual entity.