Known Issue: SHAPEFILE Writer Adds 'Q_' Prefix to Attribute Names Beginning With Japanese Characters

Issue

When writing an Esri shapefile in FME Desktop 2022.1 through FME Form 2023.0, users whose machines are set to a Japanese system locale (OS Locale: ja_JP, for example) will notice the attribute names in the output shapefiles are prefixed with ‘Q_’ anytime the source attribute name begins with a Japanese character.
 

Cause

Esri’s attribute naming rules are such that attribute names cannot begin with an underscore or a number. Several default attribute names output by FME transformers begin with underscores. We introduced the ‘Q_’ prefix to ensure those attribute names that begin with an underscore would comply with Esri’s guidance when written by the SHAPEFILE writer.

This adjustment also had the side effect of prefixing attribute names that begin with a Japanese character.
 

Resolution

Users should upgrade to FME Form 2023.1, where a resolution to this issue has been implemented. Please see our downloads page to acquire the latest FME installers.