What is Name Conversion (Namae Henkan)?
The mechanic behind dream novels' immersive self-insert experience
Name conversion (名前変換, namae henkan) is a mechanism that automatically replaces the dream novel protagonist's name with the reader's chosen name. Placeholder tags like {name} in the source text get swapped with whatever the reader enters — this is the technical foundation of yume shousetsu's immersive self-insert experience.
- Auto-swaps the protagonist's name with the reader's chosen name
- Works via placeholder tags (like {name}) in the source text
- Many platforms let you set first name, surname, and nickname separately
- Supported by Uranai Tsukuru, Pri Shousetsu, Hameln and more
- Pixiv offers partial support depending on per-work scripts
How Name Conversion Works
- 1
1. The author adds placeholder tags
Writers drop special tags like {name} or [surname] into their text. These mark the substitution points.
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2. The reader enters a name
On the platform, readers fill in a form with the name they want to use. Most platforms separate first name and surname.
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3. The browser swaps names in real time
JavaScript on the platform replaces tags with the reader's name client-side. The original manuscript never changes.
Platforms That Support Name Conversion
Name conversion is a platform-level feature. Here are the main sites that support it, with slightly different tag syntax.
Uranai Tsukuru (占いツクール)
The heart of yume shousetsu culture. Full-featured conversion — typically the first stop for beginners.
Pri Shousetsu
Mobile-first UI with simple tag syntax. Accessible for new writers.
Hameln
Known for long-form works. Supports advanced conversion for serious writers.
Pixiv
Not a dedicated yume platform, but authors can bolt on their own conversion scripts per work.
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FAQ: Name Conversion
Do I have to use my real name?
No. You can use any name — a nickname, your favorite character's name, anything. Most readers use a personal handle name rather than their legal name.
Can I set first name and surname separately?
Most platforms support this. Uranai Tsukuru and Pri Shousetsu let you configure first name, surname, and nickname via separate tags.
Can other people see my chosen name?
No. The substitution happens client-side in your browser only. The author's manuscript doesn't change, and other readers see their own chosen name.
How do I read dream novels on platforms without name conversion?
On platforms like pixiv without built-in support, you'll see the template placeholder name unless the author provides their own script.
Is name conversion unique to dream novels?
Mostly yes. Western fanfic sites like AO3 have 'reader-insert' fic, but without automatic substitution — you don't get the same seamless self-insert feel.
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