55 Charming Japanese Dog Names For An Oriental Touch

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Choosing a name for your dog is an exciting journey.

A name reflects their personality and spirit.

If you’re looking for something unique, why not consider a Japanese name?

japanese dog names

Rich in meaning and culture, these names can add a special touch to your furry friend’s identity.

From nature-inspired choices to names that evoke warmth and loyalty, this guide will help you find the perfect name that resonates with your bond.

Let’s dive into the world of Japanese dog names!

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Best Japanese Dog Names By Type

1. Traditional Japanese Names

  • Hana (花) – Flower
  • Taro (太郎) – First-born son
  • Emiko (恵美子) – Blessed, beautiful child
  • Suki (好き) – Loved
  • Kenji (健二) – Strong second son

2. Nature-Inspired Names

  • Kumo (雲) – Cloud
  • Sora (空) – Sky
  • Mizu (水) – Water
  • Hikari (光) – Light
  • Tsunami (津波) – Harbor wave
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3. Food-Related Names

  • Mochi (餅) – Rice cake
  • Sushi (寿司) – Sushi
  • Katsu (勝つ) – Victory (also refers to a fried cutlet)
  • Nori (海苔) – Seaweed
  • Yaki (焼き) – Grilled

4. Character Traits and Behaviors

  • Tenshi (天使) – Angel
  • Kawaii (可愛い) – Cute
  • Chibi (ちび) – Small or little
  • Pochi (ポチ) – Common name for pets, means little dog
  • Gaki (ガキ) – Brat

5. Mythical and Spiritual Names

  • Kami (神) – God or spirit
  • Tengu (天狗) – Mythical creature with supernatural powers
  • Yokai (妖怪) – Supernatural being or spirit
  • Inari (稲荷) – God of rice, agriculture, and fertility
  • Kitsune (狐) – Fox, often depicted as a mystical creature

6. Seasonal Names

  • Haruki (春輝) – Radiant spring
  • Aki (秋) – Autumn
  • Fuyu (冬) – Winter
  • Natsu (夏) – Summer
  • Yuki (雪) – Snow (used for winter)

7. Japanese Colors

  • Akira (明) – Bright, clear
  • Kuro (黒) – Black
  • Shiro (白) – White
  • Midori (緑) – Green
  • Murasaki (紫) – Purple

8. Japanese Locations

  • Tokyo (東京) – Capital city
  • Kyoto (京都) – Historical city
  • Sakura (桜) – Cherry blossom, iconic in Japan
  • Nara (奈良) – City known for temples and history
  • Fuji (富士) – Referring to Mount Fuji

9. Cute and Playful Names

  • Piko (ぴこ) – Tiny or little
  • Choco (チョコ) – Chocolate
  • Doko (どこ) – Where? (playful sound)
  • Nyan (にゃん) – Meow (like a cat sound)
  • Mimi (耳) – Ears

10. Names Based on Famous Japanese Culture

  • Jiro (次郎) – Second son, also a reference to famous sushi chef Jiro
  • Kurosawa (黒沢) – After the famous filmmaker Akira Kurosawa
  • Miyazaki (宮崎) – After Hayao Miyazaki, famous anime director
  • Takeshi (たけし) – A common name, also associated with actor Takeshi Kitano
  • Tadao (忠夫) – Loyal man, often represents loyalty

11. Literary and Artistic Names

  • Yasushi (安志) – Calm and gentle
  • Haruki (春樹) – Spring tree
  • Shinji (信司) – True second
  • Yoko (陽子) – Child of sunlight
  • Naoko (直子) – Honest child

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Zack Keithy
Zack Keithy

Hey, I'm Zack, the Chief Editor here. I was formerly a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) for a good 6 years before moving on to greener pastures. Right now, I am still heavily involved in dog parenting duties, and it is my desire to share all our knowledge with fellow dog owners out there! Connect with me on LinkedIn, or read more about Canine Care Central!

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