Japan is a beautiful country with a rich history — and a notable love for cats. As a result, when it comes time to name your new cat or kitten, you may wish to choose a name in Japanese. Below, explore 105 Japanese cat names and learn about their meanings!
Before jumping in, it’s important to understand that, as a language, Japanese doesn’t function the same as English. Instead, the meaning of a word or name can vary based on the kanji used. As a result, when choosing these cat names, you may wish to conduct further research to learn more about the different variations and meanings.
Nature-Related Cat Names in Japanese
Tsuki (moon) and Hoshi (star) can make cute matching names for cats!
©beton studio/Shutterstock.com
If you happen to visit Japan, you’ll find that the country is full of beautiful sights. From mountains to oceans, there’s no shortage of natural scenic beauty to see. Or, use it as inspiration for a cat’s name!
- Nami (wave)
- Sakura (cherry blossoms)
- Shino (bamboo stalk)
- Haru (sunlight)
- Tsuki (moon)
- Hoshi (star)
- Yuri (lily)
- Kai (ocean)
- Taki (waterfall)
- Sora (sky)
- Tamako (precious stone)
- Akari (light)
- Hana (flower)
- Yuki (snow)
Japanese Names Based on Adjectives
Sota (big) and Chiisai (small) can make great cat names depending on the size of your cat.
©Tatyana Vyc/Shutterstock.com
- Tadeo (loyal)
- Sota (big)
- Fuku (lucky)
- Kirei (pretty)
- Chiisai (small)
- Kichōna (precious)
- Mio (beautiful)
- Eiji (cheerful)
- Kiyo (pure)
- Haia (nimble)
- Taeko (brave)
- Hiroshi (generous)
Cat Names Based on Popular Japanese Food
Japan is full of a variety of tasty foods that can be used as cat names.
©Anna Hoychuk/Shutterstock.com
Aside from its natural beauty and history, Japan is also well-known for its food. Below, explore several popular food options or ingredients you may wish to use as your cat’s name.
- Tofu
- Sushi
- Miso
- Mochi
- Ramen
- Udon
- Matcha
- Mirin
- Sashimi
- Soba
- Tempura
- Yakitori
- Donburi
- Natto
- Tamagoyaki
- Tonkatsu
- Sukiyaki
- Okonomiyaki
- Onigiri
- Gyoza
Japanese Names for White Cats
- Shiro (white)
- Mashumaro (marshmallow)
- Shiroi neko (white cat)
- Kumo (cloud)
- Hakahu (white crane)
- Shirasagi (white egret)
- Shinju (pearl)
- Kaiko (silkworm)
- Raisupati (rice patty)
Names in Japanese for Black Cats
- Kuro (black)
- Kuro neko (black cat)
- Karasu (raven)
- Mayonaka (midnight)
- Kuromai (black rice)
Japanese Names for Orange Cats
- Orenjiiro (orange)
- Akaganeiro (copper)
- Kiiro (yellow)
- Kiniro (gold)
- Momo (peach)
- Sara (vivid blossom)
- Kento (happiness)
- Hotaru (firefly)
Cutesy Japanese Names for Cats
Use these cute names to capture your cat’s personality.
©Angela Kotsell/Shutterstock.com
- Aiko (child of love)
- Eri (blessed prize)
- Etsuko (child of joy)
- Hoshiko (star child)
- Shiori (poem)
- Kiyoshi (purity)
- Yasu (peace)
- Yasushi (peaceful)
Cat Names Based on Japanese Celebrities
- Yuzuru Hanyu (figure skater)
- Miyazaki Hayao (director)
- Takahata Isao (director)
- Suzuki Toshio (producer)
- Satoshi Tajiri (game designer)
- Fusajirō Yamauchi (founder of Nintendo)
- Haruki Murakami (author)
- Marie Kondo (author)
- Mari Osaka (athlete)
- Naomi Osaka (athlete)
- Naoko Takeuchi (artist)
- Hikari Mitsushima (actress)
- Mikako Tabe (actress)
- Erika Toda (actress)
Wise Cat Names in Japanese
Cats can be wise animals. Explore some of the wiser cat names to help capture this personality trait.
©iStock.com/Nozomi Sato
- Kenzo (wise one)
- Chiyo (thousand generations)
- Danuja (ruler)
- Shiori (guide)
- Yamato (great harmony)
- Setsuko (temperate child)
- Akio (hero)
- Kimi (noble)
- Kaiya (forgiveness)
- Eichi (wisdom)
- Kenji (intelligent ruler)
- Chieko (child of intelligence, wisdom)
- Hiro (generous)
- Kyo (cooperation)
- Kyoko (respectful child)
The photo featured at the top of this post is © OksanaSusoeva/Shutterstock.com
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