Make your kitty’s ears perk up and draw out a curious “nyan” (that’s meow in Japanese!) with one of these delightfully clever names.
Finding popular Japanese cat names with meaningful origins isn’t hard at all. If you had the chance to live a life as a cat, Japan—often called the “Land of the Rising Sun”—would be a dreamy destination. The country is home to several “neko-shima” (cat islands), where feline populations thrive. As noted by All About Japan, many of these islands originally welcomed cats to help control rodent problems near silkworm facilities or fishing villages. Now, locals in these islands are obsessive caretakers of their free-range whiskered neighbours.
Feline love doesn’t stop there—Japan has also embraced the concept of “neko kafe” (cat cafés). Though the idea of the cat café began with a shop in Taiwan in the late ‘90s, according to Mental Floss, it was Japan where the trend took off. Many Japanese apartment complexes restrict pet ownership, so cat cafés offer people a relaxing place to spend time with furry companions, even if they can’t have one of their own.
Two especially well-known Japanese cat breeds are the Kurilian Bobtail, which originated near Russia and gained popularity in Japan, and the native Japanese Bobtail. Both breeds sport cute little bobbed tails that make their behinds resemble fuzzy bunnies.
So, if you want to honor your kitten’s spirit—or just love Japanese culture—consider giving them a name that suits their roots. Here are some excellent ideas to get you started.
Popular Japanese Cat Names
- 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)
- Yoshi (good luck)
- Yuki (good fortune)
- Yuuma (leisurely)
·Japanese Cat Names for White Cats
- Hakahu (white crane)
- Kaiko (silkworm)
- Kumo (cloud)
- Mashumaro (marshmallow)
- Raisupati (rice patty)
- Shinju (pearl)
- Shirasagi (white egret)
- Shiroi / Shiroi Neko (white cat)
- Tofu (condensed soy milk block)
- Ume no Hana (plum blossom)
- Wata no Kyū (cottonball)
- Yuki (snow)
- Yukigafuru (full snow)
Japanese Cat Names for Black Cats
- Daku (dark)
- Hai (ashes)
- Kage (shadow)
- Karasu (raven)
- Kazan (volcano)
- Kuromai (black rice)
- Kuro Neko (black cat)
- Kyoho (dark grape)
- Makkuro (ink-black)
- Mayonaka (midnight)
- Sumōkī (smoky)
- Yami (darkness)
Cutest Japanese Cat Names
- Aiko (little love)
- Akachan (baby)
- Chibi (small child)
- Chiisai (small)
- Chika (scattered flowers)
- Chisai Tori (little bird)
- Chīsana (pocket-sized)
- Doki Doki (heart racing)
- Fuji (unique)
- Kei (style)
- Kichōna (precious)
- Kirei (beautiful)
- Koro (roly-poly)
- Maru (round)
- Mei (sprout)
- Shuga (sugar)
- Suitopi (sweet pea flower)
Female Japanese Cat Names
- Akari (light)
- Bashira (joyful)
- Chiyo (thousand generations)
- Danuja (ruler)
- Eiji (cheerful)
- Haia (nimble)
- Hana (flower)
- Himari (light & love)
- Kiyo (pure)
- Makoto (true)
- Mio (beautiful)
- Nakano (warrior)
- Riki (strength)
- Sara (vivid blossom)
- Yamato (great harmony)
- Yua (binding love & affection)
Male Japanese Cat Names
- Akio (hero)
- Benjiro (peaceful)
- Hiroshi (generous)
- Hitoshi (calm-tempered)
- Ichiro (first son)
- Katoro (little boy)
- Kento (happiness)
- Kimi (noble)
- Masanori (justice model)
- Ryuu (dragon)
- Senshi (warrior)
- Shohei (respect)
- Tadaaki (steadfast light)
- Taeko (brave)
- Tatsuki (honor)
- Toshiro (skillful)
Japanese Cat Names Inspired by Celebrities
- Haruna (former pop idol turned influencer)
- Masami (TV/film voice actress)
- Mokomichi (model, actor, author)
- Naomi (comedian, impersonator, actress)
- Nozomi (singer/model)
- Rola (gyaru fashion icon)
- Takashi (filmmaker)
- Toma (actor)
Nature-Inspired Japanese Cat Names
- Aito (sea/ocean)
- Amaya (night rain)
- Cho / Chō (butterfly)
- Daichi (earth)
- Haru (sunlight)
- Hoshi (star)
- Hotaru (firefly)
- Kawa (river)
- Kuuki (air)
- Nami (wave)
- Ohisama / Taiyō (sun)
- Rina (jasmine)
- Mori (forest)
- Rini (little bunny)
- Sakura (cherry blossom)
- Shino (bamboo)
- Sora (sky)
- Taki (waterfall)
- Tsuki (moon)
- Uchū (cosmos)
- Yuri (Lily)
Related: 150+ Sassy and Sweet Cat Names That Begin With the Letter S
Unusual Japanese Cat Names
- Ichika (gift)
- Kanaye (zealous one)
- Kaori (fragrant beauty)
- Kisho (self-knowing)
- Miami (truthful smile)
- Nen (deep hope)
- Setsuko (temperate child)
- Shiori (guide)
- Tamako (precious gem)
- Teru / Teruma (true illumination)
- Toshiko (alert, valued child)
Related: 100 Harry Potter Cat Names For Your Enchanted Cat
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.
