In Japan, cats are associated with the moon. The Japanese word for cat is neko, which can also mean “to make a mistake” or “to commit an error.” In some parts of Japan, it is believed that when you see a cat in the morning, it will bring you good luck for the rest of the day.
The Japanese language is one of the most beautiful, poetic and artistic in the world. In Japan, cat names are chosen based on their meaning and pronunciation. If you’re looking for a unique name for your kitty, these Japanese cat names are sure to please.
Japanese Cat Names
When you think of Japan, you know it’s a different world. The terrain, food, people, language, currency, and sights are all strange. That’s why Japan is such a great place to get ideas for your cat’s name! Here are some Japanese cat names to help you choose:
- Rinjiro – Jet of water.
- Ginban – Five coins.
- Tegami – Letter.
- Konbanwa – Good evening.
- Ame-no-Uzume – Dawn goddess.
- Nyanko – Cat.
- Chibi – Shorty.
- Mimi – Ear.
- Neko – Cat.
- Okami – Wolf.
- Hana – Flower.
- Kuni – Country.
- Kyojin – Giant.
- Tama – Ball.
- Fuku-chan – Luck
- Kawaii – Cute.
- Mochiron – Of course.
- Konnichiwa – Good day.
- Kamakura – Tiny.
- Nya-nya – Meow.
- Yusa – Thin and slender.
- Umeko – Small and cute.
- Neko-neko – Cat cat.
- Yama-san – Mountain master
Japanese Male Cat Names
There are many different types of male cat names to choose from when naming your kitty. Below, you’ll find some of the most popular Japanese male cat names.
- Akemi – dawn of beauty
- Akihiko – bright boy
- Akio – bright boy
- Akira – bright
- Akiyama – the autumn
- Akihito – bright
- Akeno – beautiful sunrise
- Amida – name of a Buddha
- Botan – long life
- Benjiro – peaceful
- Bishamon – Japanese god of war
- Chokichi – long lasting good luck
- Eiji – second born son
- Ebisu – Japanese god of luck
- Fujita – field
- Goro – fifth son
- Harue – born in the spring
- Hideaki – excellent
- Hirohito – present emperor
- Hiroshi – generous
- Hitoshi – one
- Hisoka – reserved
- Hosyu – conservative
- Huyu – winter
- Isas – worthy
- Isi – rock
- Ichiro – first born son
- Jiro – second born male
- Juro – long life
- Kaya – resting place
- Kanaye – zealous one
- Kin – golden
- Kiyoshi – the quiet one
- Keitaro – blessed
- Kaemon – joyful
- Kenta – healthy
- Koji – little
- Kazuo – first born son
- Kenji – second son
- Makoto – genuine
- Miya – temple
- Marise – endless
- Mamoru – earth
- Nikko – daylight
- Naoko – honest
- Raidon – thunder god
- Reizo – calm
- Renjiro – upright
- Ryuu – a dragon
- Saniro – praise
- Saburo – third born male
- Shuzo – third born son
- Shiro – fourth born son
- Tadao – complacent
- Tomeo – cautious
- Takuya – pathfinder
- Toshiro – talented
- Taizo – third born son
- Takeshi – unbending
- Taro – strong boy
- Tomi – riches
- Taji – silver
- Toyo – plentiful
- Yuudai – a great hero
- Yuuto – gentle
- Yasuo – calm
- Yukio – snow boy
- Zinan – second son
Japanese Female Cat Names
Here is a list of Japanese female cat names to help you choose the perfect one for your kitty.
- Ai – love
- Aiko – beloved
- Akahana – flower
- Aki – born in autumn
- Amaya – night rain
- Asa – born in the morning
- Ayako – pretty child
- Akemi – beautiful sunrise
- Aneko – older sister
- Bachiko – happy child
- Chikako – clever
- Chiyo – eterna
- Choko – born at dawn
- Dai – great
- Etsu – delight
- Fuyu – born in winter
- Gen – spring
- Gin – silver
- Hana – flower
- Haru – spring
- Hatsu – first born
- Haya – quick
- Hide – excellent
- Hiroko – generous
- Hisa – long lasting
- Hoshi – star
- Hana – flower
- Iku – nourishing
- Ine – rice
- Isamu – energetic
- Iwa – rock
- Jin – gentleness
- Kaori – fragrant
- Kami – lord
- Kagami – mirror
- Kai – forgiveness
- Kaminari – thunder
- Kaoru – fragrance
- Katsu – victorious
- Kazu – first
- Kei – happiness
- Kichi – fortunate
- Kinu – silk
- Kyoko – mirror
- Kohana – little flower
- Kukiko – snow child
- Kumi – braid
- Kiyoko – clear
- Kisho – one who knows his mind
- Kana – one who is powerful
- Leiko – arrogant
- Mai – elegance
- Michiko – beautiful
- Mieko – prosperous
- Mikazuki – new moon
- Miki – tree trunk
- Mine – peak
- Misao – fidelity
- Mitsu – light
- Mitsuko – bright child
- Miyuki – snow
- Midori – green
- Maeko – truth child
- Megumi – blessing
- Mon – gate
- Mori – forest
- Moto – origin
- Naqisa – seashore
- Nao – honest
- Name – a wave
- Nazomi – hope
- Nariko – gentle child
- Nanami – seven seas
- Raku – pleasure
- Rei – well behaved
- Ronin – samurai without a master
- Rai – trust
- Sumi – the refined one
- Sachi – lucky
- Sakae – prosperous
- Setsu – fidelity
- Shina – wealthy
- Shinako – faithful child
- Shizu – silent
- Suki – loved one
- Taka – honourable
- Takara – a treasure
- Tora – a tiger
- Tama – jewel
- Tori – bird
- Toshi – mirror reflection
- Tomoko – one who is friendly
- Tsuki – moon
- Tsuhqi – second born child
- Yoko – generous child
- Yoshe – lovely
- Yoshi – good
- Yoshika – good child
- Yuki – snow
- Yumi – beauty
Cat Names Inspired by Places of Japan
A list of Japan’s major cities and tourism attractions can be used to create a distinctive Japanese cat name.
- Tokyo – capital (formerly known as Edo)
- Fukuoka
- Fuji – mountain
- Hakone
- Hiroshima
- Hokkaido – island
- Honshu – island
- Ise City
- Kagoshima
- Kamakura
- Kanazawa
- Kawasaki
- Kawagoe
- Kobe
- Koyasan
- Kyoto
- Kyushu – island
- Nagasaki
- Karesansui – zen inspired garden
- Chaniwa – tea garden
- Tsukiyama – hill gardens
- Nagoya
- Nara
- Narita City
- Nikko
- Osaka
- Sapporo
- Shikoku – island
- Takayama
- Yokohama
Cat Names Inspired by Japanese Culture and Tradition
Japanese culture is one of the most fascinating in the world. The country has a rich history, beautiful traditions, and colorful festivals.
The Japanese people are well known for their love of cats, so it’s no surprise that there are many Japanese words used to describe these furry creatures.
These are some of the most popular Japanese cat names inspired by Japanese culture and tradition:
- Yen – Japanese currency
- Myoga – Ginger Plant
- Kabosu – Citrus fruit
- Yakitori – Japanese barbeque
- Sushi – appetizer served in a variety of ways
- Tempura – a deep fried shrimp or vegetable
- Sashimi – raw tuna eaten with soy sauce
- Okonomiyaki – a savory pancake
- Katsudon – a dish of rice
- Zenzai – a thick sweet soup
- Tsukemono – preserved vegetables
- Gohan – cooked rice
- Kome – raw rice
- Sake – Japanese rice wine
- Sashimi – raw seafood
- Yakizakana – grilled fish
- Soba – Japanese noodles made of buckwheat and wheat flour
- Udon – Japanese noodles made of wheat flour
- Nabe – hot pot dishes
- Oden – a nabe dish
- Sukiyaki – a nabe dish
- Shabu-Shabu – Japanese style meat fondue
- Chanko – nabe the staple diet of sumo wrestlers
- Kabuki – a theater performance
- Sumo – popular sport
- Judo – martial arts
- Kendo – martial arts
- Karate – martial arts
- Kyudo – martial arts
- Aikido – martial arts
- Origami – a Japan art of fold paper
- Sho – calligraphy art form
- Ikebana – Floral art
Conclusion
Japanese names are interesting, beautiful and unique. If you want to give your kitty a Japanese name but don’t know where to start, this list of 250+ Japanese cat names is sure to help! There are many different ways to choose a name for your cat. But, if you want something unique and memorable, then you should consider some of the Japanese names listed above. If you have any name to suggest please do so in the comments below.
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