The Twenty Most Common Surnames in Japan

1. Suzuki

The meaning of Suzuki (鈴木)

Suzuki is a common Japanese surname which translates to “bell tree” or “bellwood.” This name combines the kanji characters for “bell” (鈴) and “tree” (木).

The origin of the Suzuki (鈴木) name

The Suzuki surname originated back in Japan’s feudal era, when surnames started to become commonplace. Back then, skilled artisans who excelled in crafting bells were held in high esteem, and the name Suzuki was bestowed upon them as a mark of respect for their craftsmanship. In modern times, it is globally known due to being synonymous with popular Japanese car manufacturer that shares the same name.

What region of Japan is Suzuki (鈴木) most commonly found in?

Suzuki is one of the most common Japanese surnames, with over 1.8 million people in Japan called this. It is particular popular in the Kanto and southern Chubu regions of Japan.

2. Sato

The meaning of Sato (佐藤)

Sato, along with Suzuki, is the other most common surname in Japan. It translates to “helpful” (佐) and “wisteria” (藤). Its meaning implies a sense of support and assistance, and it lends itself to the beautiful wisteria plant that is native to Japan and other parts of Asia.

The origin of the Sato (佐藤) name

The name Sato was originally a title bestowed upon reliable assistants or aides, who served esteemed individuals like nobles and samurais. These loyal servants were known for their helpfulness,  earning the title “Sato.” Over time, the title would be passed down through generations, and now stands as one of the most common Japanese surnames.

What region of Japan is Sato (佐藤) most commonly found in?

Due to Sato being one of, if not the most popular Japanese surnames, it can be found in all regions of the country. There are an estimated 1.9 million people in Japan with the Sato surname. It is generally most popular in the Hokkaido and Tohuku areas of northern Japan. The popularity of this name reflects its historical significance and the legacy of dependable assistants from ancient times.

3. Takahashi 

The meaning of Takahashi (高橋)

Takahashi is another common Japanese surname that means “high” or “tall” (高) and “bridge” (橋). The name symbolizes a bridge that connects people or places, lending itself to the importance of unity and cooperation.

The origin of the Takahashi (高橋) name

The Takahashi surname has its roots in ancient Japan, where names often reflected geographical features or landmarks. Takahashi originated from families living near or working on elevated bridges. It was a practical way to identify and distinguish individuals from these communities and areas.

What region of Japan is Takahashi (高橋) most commonly found in?

Takahashi is most popular in the Gunma area of the Kanto region, and Ehime area of the Shikoku region, although it is not uncommon to come across this surname all over Japan. The number of people carrying the Takahashi name in Japan is around 1.4 million.

4. Tanaka

The meaning of Tanaka (田中)

Tanaka is a common Japanese surname that loosely translates to “middle of the rice field.” This name combines the kanji characters for “rice field” (田) with “middle” or “inside” (中). 

The origin of the Tanaka (田中) name

The Tanaka surname has its origins in Japan’s agricultural heritage. During ancient times, people were typically named based on their occupations or surroundings. Those living at the heart of rice fields or involved in rice cultivation often adopted the surname Tanaka. Due to this profession being common in Japan, the name became widely used and then handed down for generations, becoming the popular surname it is today.

What region of Japan is Tanaka (田中) most commonly found in?

Tanaka is one of the most common Japanese surnames, with a notable presence throughout the nation. An estimated figure of 1.4 million people in Japan bear the Tanaka surname. The surname represents the significance of Japans agricultural roots, with rice being a staple food of the Japanese diet.

5. Watanabe

The meaning of Watanabe (渡辺)

The Japanese surname Watanabe combines “cross” or “transit” (渡) with “edge” or “boundary” (辺). It signifies someone who lived or worked near some sort of crossing or boundary.

The origin of the Watanabe (渡辺) name

Watanabe, similar to the Takahashi surname, was used to identify individuals living near rivers or other bodies of water that required crossing. Over time, this name became a hereditary surname passed down through generations.

What region of Japan is Watanabe (渡辺) most commonly found in?

There are around 1.3 million people in Japan bearing the Watanabe surname. It is most popular in the Yamanashi area of the Chibu region. The popularity of this name reflects its historical significance and its association with Japan’s diverse geographical features.

6. Ito

The meaning of Ito (伊藤)

The Japanese surname Ito can be translated to “Italy” (伊) and “wisteria” (藤). The “Italy” part of the name is thought to represent distant and exotic places, while “wisteria” symbolizes the grace and beauty of the wisteria flower. 

The origin of the Ito (伊藤) name

The origin of the Ito surname in Japan is notably less clear than some of the others on this list, although it is thought to have links to the historic Fujiwara clan in ancient Japan.

What region of Japan is Ito (伊藤) most commonly found in:

With around 1.2 million people in Japan carrying the Ito surname, it remains one of the most popular, despite its origin being less clear than some other common Japanese surnames. It is one of the most common surnames of the Mie area of the Kansai region.

7. Yamamoto

The meaning of Yamamoto (山本)

Yamamoto derives from the combination of “mountain” (山) with “base” or “origin” (本). As with other names on this list that relate to Japan’s terrain, it shares similarities with the origin of the Watanabe and Takahashi surnames.

The origin of the Yamamoto (山本) name

Japan is globally renowned for its iconic mountainous landscapes, which is why the Yamamoto name is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Yamamoto emerged as a way to identify individuals associated with the foot of a mountain or living in mountainous areas, reflecting their close relationship with nature.

What region of Japan is Yamamoto (山本) most commonly found in?

Yamamoto is the surname of around 1 million people in Japan. It is commonly found all over the country but has a strong presence in the Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kansai regions. The prevalence of this name reflects its historical significance and its connection to the natural beauty of Japan’s mountains.

8. Nakamura

The meaning of Nakamura (中村)

The Japanese surname Nakamura translates to a combination of “middle” or “inside” (中) and “village” or “hamlet” (村). The name eludes to someone from the centre of a village or settlement, highlighting their importance as a member of the community.

The origin of the Nakamura (中村) name

The Nakamura surname finds its roots in Japan’s rural history, where people were frequently named after their roles or locations within villages. Nakamura became a way to identify leaders or people of importance residing at the heart of settlements, highlighting their essential role in the community’s social fabric.

What region of Japan is Nakamura (中村) most commonly found in?

Nakamura is widely dispersed across Japan, making it one of the most common Japanese surnames. There are around 1 million people in Japan bearing the Nakamura surname, most commonly found in the southern area of the Kyushu region. Its popularity is a reflection of the tight-knit communities and villages in ancient Japan.

9. Kobayashi

The meaning of Kobayashi (小林)

Kobayashi roughly translates to “small” or “little” (小) and “grove” or “woods” (林). The name paints the image of a small forest or woodland, representing the connection to nature that the Japanese are known for.

The origin of the Kobayashi (小林) name

The Kobayashi surname embodies the natural elements and terrain of Japan, in the same way that the Watanabe name does. Kobayashi was used to identify families living near small groves or wooded areas, and it signified their close relationship with nature.

What region of Japan is Kobayashi (小林) most commonly found in?

Kobayashi is a widespread surname in Japan and is considered one of the most common Japanese surnames. The Kobayashi surname is shared by around 1 million people in Japan. It is most popular in the Gifu area of the Chubu region.

10. Kato

The meaning of Kato (加藤)

Kato is a common Japanese surname with the meaningful combination of “add” or “increase” (加) and “wisteria” (藤). The name suggests growth and prosperity, painting the image of a flourishing wisteria plant.

The origin of the Kato (加藤) name

The Kato surname in Japan is another that draws on the iconic wisteria plant for its origin. It emerged as a way to identify individuals or families that were believed to bring prosperity or increase to the community. 

What region of Japan is Kato (加藤) most commonly found in?

With a figure of over 900 thousand people in Japan with the Kato surname, it is the first one on our list that is under a million. Despite this, it is still very common in Japan. It is particularly popular in the Gifu area of the Kanto region. 

11. Yoshida

The meaning of Yoshida (吉田)

Yoshida is a common Japanese surname with the meaningful combination of “good luck” or “auspicious” (吉) and “rice paddy” (田). The name symbolizes prosperity and good fortune associated with bountiful rice fields.

The origin of the Yoshida (吉田) name

The Yoshida surname is another name on this list with links to Japan’s agricultural culture, where names often represented blessings and wishes for prosperity. Yoshida was used to identify individuals or families residing near or involved in the cultivation of rice fields, and it was believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the household.

What region of Japan is Yoshida (吉田) most commonly found in?

Around 850 thousand people in Japan carry the Yoshida surname. The popularity of this name reflects its historical significance and its connection to the traditional importance of rice cultivation in Japan.

12. Yamada

The meaning of Yamada (山田)

Yamada draws from two important parts of Japanese culture, translating to “mountain” (山) and “rice paddy” (田). The name signifies someone living or working near both mountains and rice fields, as with many other names on this list, taking after their geographical surroundings.

The origin of the Yamada (山田) name

The Yamada surname is a nod to both Japan’s landscape and agricultural history. Bestowed upon those that lived near mountains and rice paddies, the Yamada surname portrays their relationship with both essential elements of Japanese life.

What region of Japan is Yamada (山田) most commonly found in?

Yamada is a popular surname in Japan with around 820 thousand of the population bearing it. Like many Japanese surnames, its origin and meaning bares great cultural significance.

13. Yamaguchi

The meaning of Yamaguchi (山口)

Yamaguchi is a common Japanese surname with the meaningful combination of “mountain” (山) and “mouth” or “entrance” (口). The name symbolizes a passage or entrance to the mountains, indicating a strong connection to nature’s majestic beauty.

The origin of the Yamaguchi (山口) name

Yamaguchi was used to identify families residing near mountainous regions or living at the entrance to mountain passes. Around three-quarters of Japan has mountainous regions, which means they are a huge part of Japanese culture 

What region of Japan is Yamaguchi (山口) most commonly found in?

There are around 640 thousand people in Japan with the Yamaguchi surname. With plenty of mountainous regions, it is no surprise this is such a popular name. It is most popular in the northern areas of the Kyushu region.

14. Sasaki

The meaning of Sasaki (佐々木)

Sasaki translates to the word “assistant” or “help” (佐),  repeated twice consecutively, emphasizing a strong sense of support and aid. The name signifies someone who offers assistance and support to others.

The origin of the Sasaki (佐々木) name

The Sasaki surname like many others takes after people’s roles within their local community. Like the Sato name, Sasaki was used to identify individuals who served as dependable assistants or aides, reinforcing the idea of being supportive and helpful. 

What region of Japan is Sasaki (佐々木) most commonly found in?

Sasaki is widely spread across Japan, making it one of the most common Japanese surnames. The Sasaki name is common in Japan, with an estimated figure of over 700 thousand people in Japan carrying it. 

15. Inoue

The meaning of Inoue (井上)

Another common Japanese surname with ties to nature, Inoue translates to “well” (井) and “above” or “up” (上). The name illustrates a location above or near a well, representing both a vital water source and the importance of community.

The origin of the Inoue (井上) name

Inoue was used to identify families living near wells or with a connection to wells, highlighting their significance in providing water for communities. Water is obviously a necessity, therefore of course the sources of clean water were held in high regard in Japan. 

What region of Japan is Inoue (井上) most commonly found in?

With around 600 thousand people in Japan with this name, it is relatively popular. The prevalence of this name reflects its historical significance and its association with water sources that were crucial for Japanese communities’ sustenance and well-being.

16. Matsumoto

The meaning of Matsumoto (松本)

Matsumoto is a common Japanese surname with the meaningful combination of “pine tree” (松) and “base” or “origin” (本). The name evokes the image of a sturdy and evergreen pine tree, symbolizing strength and vitality.

The origin of the Matsumoto (松本) name

The Matsumoto surname emerged as a way to identify families living near pine forests or having a connection to pine trees, signifying their appreciation for the strength and longevity associated with these trees.

What region of Japan is Matsumoto (松本) most commonly found in?

In Japan there are around 630 thousand people with the Matsumoto surname, making it quite common. The popularity of this name reflects the importance and vitality of Japan’s pine trees. Pine trees are one of the most dominant natural plants in Japan, hence why this name is so popular.

17. Kimura

The meaning of Kimura (木村)

Combining the words for “tree” (木) and “village” or “hamlet” (村), the Kimura name is another common surname in Japan. The name signifies someone from a village surrounded by trees and represents a strong connection to nature.

The origin of the Kimura (木村) name

The Kimura name was originally assigned to individuals residing in or near villages surrounded by trees, reflecting their close relationship with nature. Forest and woodland areas make up around two-thirds of Japan’s landmass, demonstrating the importance of this name.

What region of Japan is Kimura (木村) most commonly found in?

Kimura is a common name in Japan, with around 580 thousand people with this surname. It is popular due the villages found in rural area surrounding the forests of ancient Japan.

18. Hayashi

The meaning of Hayashi (林)

Hayashi (林) is a common Japanese surname that simply means “forest” or “woods.” The name conveys a sense of connection to nature and family history that back dates to the wooded areas of Japan’s rich natural landscape.

The origin of the Hayashi (林) name

The Hayashi surname, like many others on this list, is another that draws from the terrain and surroundings of ancient Japan. Hayashi was used to identify families living near forests or wooded areas, signifying their close relationship with nature.

What region of Japan is Hayashi (林) most commonly found in?

In Japan there are around 550 thousand people with the Hayashi surname. The widespread presence of this name reflects its historical significance and its association with Japan’s lush and abundant forested areas.

19. Saito

The meaning of Saito (斉藤)

Saito is a common Japanese surname with the meaningful combination of “together” or “united” (斉) and “wisteria” (藤). The name signifies unity and harmony, symbolizing a strong bond among family members, a very important part of Japanese culture.

The origin of the Saito (斉藤) name

The Saito surname lends itself to Japan’s cultural values of unity and family ties. Saito emerged as a way to identify families with a strong sense of togetherness and harmony, emphasizing the importance of closeness, loyalty, and unity among family members.

What region of Japan is Saito (斉藤) most commonly found in?

Despite being towards the bottom of the list, the Saito name is still quite common in Japan with around 530 thousand people carrying it. The popularity of this name reflects its association with the cultural values of harmony in Japan which is widespread, rather than referring to a specific type of location or profession as many other names on this list.

20. Shimizu

The meaning of Shimizu (清水)

The last name on our list, Shimizu is a Japanese surname that combines “clear” or “pure” (清) and “water” (水). The name references the clean and pure water sources of Japan, symbolising a connection to the country’s pristine and natural elements.

The origin of the Shimizu (清水) name

The Shimizu surname embodies Japan’s resource of free-flowing natural water. Shimizu was used to identify families living near clear and clean water sources, highlighting the significance of water for communities.

What region of Japan is Shimizu (清水) most commonly found in?

There are around 550 thousand people in Japan with this name, meaning it is likely you will come across it at some point if you live there. The Shimizu name can be found all over Japan frequently.

The last word on Japanese surnames

If you’re in Japan, the good chance that you will come across someone bearing one of the surnames on this list sooner or later. Hopefully, you have learned a little more about Japanese surnames and their origin from this blog. Japan is a country that is rich in both history and culture, so gaining an understanding of it before you go there is important. 

If you want to learn more about the beautiful Japanese language, why not learn how to say some more basic phrases such as ‘Hello‘, ‘I love you‘, ‘Friend’, and ‘Shut up‘. If you are a little more advanced perhaps try learning some more unique Japanese words, or try to hone your pronunciation with some Japanese tongue twisters.

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There are plenty of opportunities all over Japan to get involved in, so if this sounds like something that might interest you, take a look at our application process!