Dog Names By Country >> Japan Dog Names

Japan Dog Names

Updated: May 12, 2024

Welcome to our unique collection of canine monikers inspired by the rich culture, history, and language of the Land of the Rising Sun. The island nation of Japan is renowned for its historical traditions, beautiful landscapes, and its love for man's best friend. It is home to several distinctive and beloved breeds, including the Akita, Shiba Inu, and Tosa Inu.

Whether you have a Japanese breed, or you are simply enamored by the enigmatic charm of the Japanese language, or perhaps a fan of anime and manga, you might find the perfect name for your furry companion in our extensive list. This compendium pays homage to everything, from the country's iconic landmarks and cities, popular local foods, famed anime characters, to words that capture the unique characteristics of your pet.

Embrace the captivating Japanese culture and tradition by exploring our collection. Browse through, and you might just find that distinctive, meaningful moniker that resonates with your pet's personality and your personal tastes.

Name Reason to Choose
Aki Signifies autumn, good for dogs with reddish-brown coats
Akira This name, which means 'bright and intelligent', is a popular choice for dogs in Japan
Anime Perfect for a dog owner who loves Japanese animation
Asa Referring to morning, perfect for an early riser dog
Banzai A traditional Japanese cheer, suitable for an energetic and lively dog
Bento Named after the Japanese single-portion boxed meal
Boshi Boshi translates to 'hat', a fitting name for a dog with a distinctive marking on its head
Chibi A term for small or little, perfect for small breed dogs
Chika Meaning 'near and dear', this name is often used for dogs that are considered part of the family
Dai A common name for large breeds, as it translates to 'large or great'
Daiki Means great tree, ideal for dogs that love nature
Dango A sweet name for a dog, named after a Japanese dumpling
Emi Signifies smile, perfect for a dog that brings joy
Etsu This name means 'joy', a perfect fit for a happy, playful dog
Fuji Named after Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan
Fumi Means history, suitable for a dog with a significant past
Geisha A tribute to the traditional female entertainers in Japan
Gin Meaning silver, ideal for dogs with a silver-grey coat
Ginji A popular name for dogs with silver or grey fur, as it translates to 'silver'
Goro A common male name, ideal for a strong, robust dog
Hachi Refers to the number eight, believed to bring luck in Japan
Haiku Inspired by the Japanese form of poetry
Hana Means flower, suitable for beautiful and delicate dogs
Harajuku Named after a vibrant neighborhood in Tokyo
Haru Refers to spring, ideal for dogs born in this season
Hide Means excellent, perfect for a dog that excels in everything
Hiro Hiro means 'generous', a fitting name for a nurturing and caring dog
Hokkaido Named after one of Japan's northernmost islands
Hoshi Means star in Japanese, evoking brightness and beauty
Ichi Means one, perfect for the first dog in the family
1 2 3 4

Japanese Pop Culture Dog Names

Japanese pop culture has global influence. Using a name from a popular Japanese movie, music, or TV show can be a fun and modern choice.
Name Description
Anime A style of animation originating in Japan and popular worldwide
Chibi A term used in manga and anime for characters that are small and cute
Cosplay A popular culture of dressing up as characters from anime, manga, or video games
Domo The brown, fuzzy mascot of Japan's NHK television station
Geisha Traditional female Japanese entertainers, often seen in pop culture
Goku A powerful character from the iconic series Dragon Ball
Harajuku A district in Japan known for its youth culture and fashion trends
HelloKitty A globally beloved character created by Sanrio, a Japanese company
JPop A term referring to Japanese pop music
Kawaii Japanese word for 'cute' often used in pop culture
Manga Refers to the popular Japanese style of comic books and graphic novels
Naruto Named after the titular ninja character from Naruto
Origami Japanese art of paper folding, known worldwide
Otaku A term for people who are obsessed with anime and manga
Pikachu Iconic Pokémon character known globally
Pocky A popular Japanese snack often seen in anime
Ramen Famous Japanese dish that has become a global sensation
Sake A traditional Japanese rice wine
Sakura Inspired by the cherry blossom trees in Japan, often featured in anime
Samurai Japanese warriors of the past, often depicted in pop culture
Shibuya Known for its bustling streets and iconic pedestrian scramble, it's a symbol of Japanese urban life
Sumo A competitive full-contact wrestling sport originated in Japan
Sushi A classic Japanese dish recognized around the world
Totoro A character from the Studio Ghibli film 'My Neighbor Totoro'
Zenkai A term from Dragon Ball series, referred to a Saiyan's ability to recover from wounds and grow stronger
Suggest:
Submitted!

Traditional Japanese Dog Names

Traditional names can have deep meanings in Japanese culture, and they can give your dog a name with a sense of dignity and respect.
Name Description
Aiko A traditional female name that means 'child of love' in Japanese
Akio A traditional name that means 'bright man' in Japanese
Emi This name signifies 'blessing' or 'beauty' in Japanese
Hana In Japanese, it translates to 'flower', which is commonly used as a name
Haruki It is a traditional name that means 'shining brightly' in Japanese
Hiro A name that signifies 'generous' in Japanese
Hoshi In Japanese, it translates to 'star', a popular name for pets
Kai A name that signifies 'ocean' and is used traditionally in coastal areas of Japan
Kenji This name signifies 'intelligent second son' and is a traditional male name
Kiko A name that signifies hope which is a traditional value in Japanese culture
Kiku This name signifies 'chrysanthemum', a flower that has cultural significance in Japan
Kuma This name, meaning 'bear', is often used for large, fluffy dogs
Masaru A strong male name in Japan, it means 'victory'
Miya This name means 'palace' or 'shrine' in Japanese
Momo It translates to 'peach' in Japanese, often used as a cute pet name
Naoki A traditional name that means 'honest tree' in Japanese
Nori This name means 'seaweed', a staple in Japanese cuisine
Ryu It means 'dragon' in Japanese, often used for a powerful, strong dog
Sakura This name is inspired by the cherry blossom flowers iconic to Japan
Suki It translates to 'beloved' in Japanese, making it a fitting name for a pet
Sumo This name is drawn from the traditional Japanese sport of Sumo Wrestling
Toshi A popular name in Japan, it means 'wise' or 'sharp'
Yoshi A name that means 'lucky' or 'righteous' in Japanese
Yuki A name that means 'snow' in Japanese, perfect for a white dog
Yumi In Japanese, it means 'beautiful', perfect for a lovely pet
Suggest:
Submitted!

Japanese Nature Dog Names

Japan is known for its beautiful landscapes, flora, and fauna. Nature-related names can be unique and meaningful.
Name Description
Aki An homage to Japan's autumn season
Fuyu Reflects Japan's winter season
Hana This word refers to flowers, which are abundant in Japan's natural landscape
Haru Signifies Japan's beautiful spring season
Hoshi It means star, a beautiful element of nature that shines in the night
Ike It means pond, inspired by Japan's tranquil garden landscapes
Inu In Japanese, it means dog, a simple yet fitting name
Iwa The word for rock in Japanese, representing Japan's mountainous terrain
Kawa In Japanese, this word means river
Kaze The Japanese term for wind
Kuma The Japanese word for bear, symbolizing the wildlife in Japan
Kumo This word refers to clouds in Japan
Mori Symbolic of the forests that cover Japan's landscape
Natsu This word is symbolic of Japan's summer season
Ryu It means dragon, a creature present in many Japanese folk tales and myths
Sakura It's the Japanese word for cherry blossom, a natural symbol of Japan
Shima It means island, representing the thousands of islands that make up Japan
Sora In Japanese, it means sky
Suzume It stands for sparrow, one of the common birds in Japan
Taki Represents the beauty of Japan's waterfalls
Tora This word stands for tiger, a creature that has a significant place in Japanese culture
Tsuki This refers to the moon in Japan
Umi It means sea, symbolizing Japan's vast coastline
Yama Signifying mountain, it represents the iconic Mt. Fuji
Yuki In Japanese, it means snow, which is a common natural occurrence in Japan
Suggest:
Submitted!

Japanese Food Dog Names

Japanese cuisine is loved worldwide. Naming your pet after a favorite Japanese dish can be fun and endearing.
Name Description
Bento Inspired by the Japanese lunch box, this could suit a dog that loves meal times
Edamame Inspired by the green soybeans, this name could fit a small, playful dog
Gyoza An adorable name for a dog that's as irresistible as this popular dumpling
Katsu A strong, bold name for a dog, inspired by the breaded, fried cutlet dish
Matcha Perfect for a dog with a greenish coat or a calm demeanor, named after the powdered green tea
Miso A savory name for a dog, after the traditional Japanese soup
Mochi A sweet name for a sweet dog, named after a traditional Japanese dessert
Nigiri Great name for a dog that loves to eat fish
Norimaki A fun name for a dog, inspired by the sushi roll wrapped in seaweed
Onigiri A cute name for a dog, named after the Japanese rice ball
Ramen A warm, hearty dish that would fit a comforting and cuddly canine
Sake Named after the traditional Japanese rice wine, perfect for a dog with a strong spirit
Sakura A beautiful name for a dog after the cherry blossom, a key ingredient in some Japanese sweets
Sashimi Perfect for a dog that loves fish or has a sleek, shiny coat
Shoyu A classic name for a dog, named after the soy sauce used in many Japanese dishes
Soba Named after a type of noodle, this would suit a long and slender dog breed
Sushi This name is inspired by a popular Japanese dish, making it a great choice for a food-loving pup
Takoyaki A cute name for a dog, inspired by the octopus-filled ball-shaped snack
Tempura Ideal for a dog with a crispy, golden coat, much like the popular Japanese dish
Teriyaki A sweet and savory name for your canine companion
Tofu A great choice for a white or light-coated dog
Tonkatsu A robust name for a dog, named after the breaded pork cutlet dish
Udon A thick noodle that would suit a fluffy or chubby pup
Wasabi A fitting name for a dog with a fiery personality
Yakitori Named after the grilled chicken skewers, this would suit a small, brown pup
Suggest:
Submitted!

Anime-Inspired Japanese Dog Names

Anime is a big part of Japanese culture and it has a lot of unique and memorable character names that can be used as dog names.
Name Description
Alphonse Derived from Edward's brother in Fullmetal Alchemist
Ash Inspired by the main character of the Pokémon series
Asuka This name is taken from a character in Neon Genesis Evangelion
Edward Named after the main character of the anime series Fullmetal Alchemist
Eren Inspired by the main character of Attack on Titan
Faye This name is inspired by a character from Cowboy Bebop
Goku A name borrowed from the protagonist of the Dragon Ball series
Hinata Derived from Naruto's love interest in the Naruto series
Ichigo A name borrowed from the protagonist of the anime series Bleach
Inuyasha Based on the half-dog demon protagonist of the anime series of the same name
Kagome Inspired by the main female character in the anime series Inuyasha
Kaiba This name is taken from Yugi's rival in Yu-Gi-Oh!
Luffy Named after the main character of the anime series One Piece
Mikasa This name is taken from a character in Attack on Titan
Nami This name is inspired by a character from One Piece
Naruto Inspired by the main character of the anime series Naruto
Rei Derived from one of the characters in Sailor Moon
Rukia From the anime Bleach, Rukia is a strong and determined character
Sakura Taken from the character in Naruto who is known for her intelligence and strength
Sasuke This name is taken from Naruto's rival in the Naruto series
Shinji Inspired by the main character of the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series
Spike Borrowed from the protagonist of the anime series Cowboy Bebop
Usagi This name is taken from the Sailor Moon protagonist
Vegeta Inspired by the anti-hero character in the Dragon Ball series
Yugi Borrowed from the protagonist of the anime series Yu-Gi-Oh!
Suggest:
Submitted!
Recommend a group: Submitted!

User Submitted Images

Here is a collection of user images that have been submitted to our Japan Dog Names page:

There are currently no user submitted images for this page. This is your opportunity to be the first! Submit your photo below.

Use this form to submit your own photo:

Photo:
Dog Name:
Chars Remaining: 1000

User Recommendations

Other visitors to this page recommend the following names:

There are currently no name recommendations for this page. This is your opportunity to be the first! Make your recommendation below.

Name:
Reason for Recommendation:
Chars Remaining: 1000
Submitted!

We would like to take this time to thank all of our visitors that make DogNamed.com the best dog naming resource on the web. Our site would not be where it is today without your suggestions, ratings, and photo submissions. So pat yourselves on the back for a job well done and keep up the good work! If you have any comments, suggestions, or ideas for the this page or any part of our site, don't hesitate to drop us a line on our Contact Page. Thank you! -The DogNamed Team