Make your cat’s ears twitch and prompt a curious nyan (meow!) with one of these clever names.
Popular Japanese cat names with meanings are readily available. If you could relive your existence as a cat, the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ is the place to be! Japan has numerous neko-shima (cat islands) with large cat colonies. According to All About Japan, many of these cats were raised by resident fishermen or brought in to help control rodent populations around silkworm operations. Humans in these areas are ardent caretakers of the free-roaming felines.
The country also honors its felines with abundant neko kafe (cat cafes). The first reported cat cafe opened in Taiwan in 1998, but Mental Floss states they “really took off when they made their way to Japan.” In Japan (the country’s official name), many rental residents have pet restrictions, so cat cafes allow them to socialize and even work among friendly cats.
Two of the most popular Japanese cat breeds are the Kurilian bobtail, which hails from neighboring Russia, and the Japanese bobtail. Both have—you guessed it!—Adorable bobbed-tails, which make their fuzzy bums look almost like rabbits.
Honor their heritage by giving your new fluffball an appropriate Japanese cat names. Below are ideas for 120+ Japanese cat names.
Popular Japanese Cat Names
What’s trendy? What’s fun? Here are some top names that might be purrfect for your kitten or cat.
- Adzuki (red bean)
- Fuku (lucky)
- Fuwafuwa (fluffy)
- Haruki (spring child)
- Kenzo (wise one)
- Momo (peach)
- Nyan (meow)
- Sota (big or thick)
- Tadeo (loyal)
- Taro (eldest son or boy)
- Yoshi (good or good luck)
- Yuki (good fortune)
- Yuuma (leisurely)
Related: 127 Summer Cat Names Hot Enough for Your Cool Kitty
Japanese Names for White Cats
Here are some creative ways to reference your yukidama (snowball) kitty inspired by everything from nature to food!
- Hakahu (white crane)
- Kaiko (silkworm)
- Kumo (cloud)
- Mashumaro (marshmallow)
- Raisupati (rice patty)
- Shinju (pearl)
- Shirasagi (white egret)
- Shiroi or shiroi neko (white or white cat)
- Tofu (block of condensed soy milk)
- Ume no hana (plum blossom)
- Wata no kyū (cottonball)
- Yuki (snow)
- Yukigafuru (snowy or packed snow)
Related: 300+ Cute Cat Names for Your Adorable Kitty: Find the Perfect Name!
Japanese Black Cat Names
Let your mind wander to come up with a unique name for your black cat. For example, if you respect ninjutsu (the art of the ninja) and your kitty is suterusu (stealthy), you’re onto something!
- Daku (also dark)
- Hai (ashes)
- Kage (shadow)
- Karasu (raven)
- Kazan (volcano)
- Kuromai (black rice)
- Kuro neko (black cat)
- Kyoho (dark grapes)
- Makkuro (inky)
- Mayonaka (midnight)
- Sumōkī (smoky)
- Yami (dark)
Related: 100+ Awesome White Cat Names You’ll Instantly Love
Cute Japanese Cat Names
The Japanese have a special term for something adorable, tiny, or lovable: kawaii. Merriam-Webster defines it as “the cute aesthetic—with its bold, nearly cartoon-like lines and rounded forms—informs a large segment of Japanese popular culture.” You’re probably most familiar with kawaii if you’ve seen characters such as Hello Kitty or Pusheen. Does your amai mafin (sweet muffin) fit this category? If so, one of these names might be a great fit!
- Aiko (little love)
- Akachan (baby)
- Chibi (minor child)
- Chiisai (small)
- Chika (scattered flowers)
- Chisai tori (little bird)
- Chīsana (pocket-size)
- Doki doki (excited)
- Fuji (unique)
- Kei (style)
- Kichōna (precious)
- Kirei (pretty)
- Koro (roly-poly)
- Maru (round)
- Mei (sprout)
- Shuga (sugar)
- Suitopi (sweet pea flower)
Related: 100+ Awesome White Cat Names You’ll Instantly Love
Japanese Cat Names Female
Your girl cat can be both fierce and beautiful! Call out a few of these monikers to see what makes her trill, “Yes? Me?”
- Akari (light)
- Bashira (joyful)
- Chiyo (thousand generations or world)
- Danuja (a ruler)
- Eiji (cheerful)
- Haia (nimble)
- Hana (flower)
- Himari (light and love)
- Kiyo (pure)
- Makoto (true)
- Mio (beautiful)
- Nakano (warrior)
- Riki (strength)
- Sara (vivid blossom)
- Yamato (great harmony)
- Yua (binding love and affection)
Related: 160+ Creative Black and White Cat Names
Male Japanese Cat Names
Giving your special boy cat a Japanese name—or even a nickname!—that describes his spirit and personality is a terrific choice.
- Akio (hero)
- Benjiro (enjoys peace)
- Hiroshi (generous)
- Hitoshi (even-tempered)
- Ichiro (first son)
- Katoro (small boy)
- Kento (happiness)
- Kimi (noble)
- Masanori (model of justice)
- Ryuu (dragon)
- Senshi (warrior)
- Shohei (respect)
- Tadaaki (faithful light)
- Taeko (brave)
- Tatsuki (honor)
- Toshiro (talented)
Related: Why Do Cats Eat Plastic? 3 Vet-Approved Reasons & How to Stop It
Cat Names Inspired by Famous Japanese Celebrities
Adorn your kitty with some extra pizzazz with a name from one of these social and mass media talents.
- Haruna (former pop idol, current Instagram influencer)
- Masami (TV, movie, and voice actress)
- Mokomichi (model, actor, and author)
- Naomi (comedian, celebrity impersonator, and actress)
- Nozomi (singer and model)
- Rola (the face of gyaru fashion)
- Takashi (filmmaker)
- Toma (TV and film actor)
Nature-Inspired Japanese Cat Names
An essential aspect of Japanese culture is to “appreciate the presence of life in all aspects of nature,” according to The University of Tokyo—bond with your kitty and her beautiful surroundings with one of these Japanese cat names.
- Aito (sea or ocean)
- Amaya (night rain)
- Cho or Chou (butterfly or butterflies)
- Daichi (from the earth)
- Haru (sunlight)
- Hoshi (star)
- Hotaru (firefly)
- Kawa (river)
- Kuuki (air)
- Nami (wave)
- Ohisama or Taiyou (sun)
- Rina (jasmine)
- Mori (forest)
- Rini (little bunny)
- Sakura (cherry blossoms)
- Shino (bamboo stalk)
- Sora (sky)
- Taki (waterfall)
- Tsuki (moon)
- Uchuu (the cosmos)
- Yuri (Lily)
Unusual Japanese Cat Names
You know your kitty is unique. These options provide an opportunity to express your individuality.
- Ichika (gift)
- Kanaye (zealous one)
- Kaori (fragrant, beautiful girl)
- Kisho (one who knows his mind)
- Miami (smiling with truth)
- Nen (deep hope)
- Setsuko (temperate child)
- Shiori (guide)
- Tamako (precious stone)
- Teru or Teruma (proper illumination)
- Toshiko (alert and valued child)
How to Pick the Perfect Japanese Names for Cats
Choosing the right name is part intuition, part fun. Say the names aloud. Watch your cat’s reaction. Look at their colors, personality, or even their quirks (does your kitten sprint at 3 a.m. or snore while sleeping?). Whether you go traditional, trendy, or kawaii, your new furry friend deserves a name as special as they are.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some cute Japanese names for cats?
Some kawaii (cute) Japanese names include Aiko (meaning “little love”), Chibi (meaning “small child”), Koro (meaning “roly-poly”), and Suitopi (meaning “sweet pea flower”).
2. Are there notable Japanese names for white cats?
Yes! Names like Yuki (meaning “snow”), Shiroi (meaning “white”), Tofu, and Shinju (meaning “pearl”) are popular for white cats.
3. What’s a good Japanese name for a male cat?
Popular male cat names include Akio (hero), Ichiro (first son), Ryuu (dragon), and Toshiro (talented).
4. Can I name my cat after a Japanese celebrity?
Absolutely. Japanese pop culture figures inspire names like Haruna, Naomi, Toma, and Rola.
5. What does ‘kawaii’ mean?
Kawaii means “cute” in Japanese and represents an entire aesthetic in Japanese culture, often influencing pet names and other aspects of popular culture.
6. Are there names for black cats in Japanese?
Yes! You can choose names like Kuro (black), Mayonaka (midnight), Kage (shadow), and Yami (dark).
7. Do cats in Japan have cultural importance?
Yes. Cats are deeply respected in Japan and are believed to bring good luck. They are also celebrated in cat cafes and folklore.
