600+ Best Japanese Dog Names with Meanings: Top Choices

It was a rainy Tuesday when I picked up my first Shiba Inu. He wasn’t just a puppy; he was a sesame-colored tornado destroying my shoelaces. I sat on the floor of my apartment, staring at him, completely paralyzed by the naming process. “Max” didn’t fit. “Buddy” felt like an insult to his dignity. I wanted something with history, something that had a bit of grit to it. I spent days digging through dictionaries and re-watching old Kurosawa films until I landed on “Kenji.” It means “strong and vigorous,” and considering he chewed through a dry-wall corner the next day, it fit.

If you’re stuck in that same spot, scrolling through endless lists while your new best friend pees on the carpet, take a breath. Finding the Best Japanese Dog Names isn’t about following a trend. It’s about finding a word that snaps when you say it. Japan has a culture that runs deep—samurai history, nature reverence, and yes, some fantastic food—so there is absolutely a name here that will stick.

Also Read: Best Sexy Girl Names with Meanings and Best French Names with Meanings

Key Takeaways

• Don’t Ignore the Meaning: Japanese is tricky. A name might sound cool but mean “Radish.” Check the translation.
• The “Yell Test”: Go to your back door and yell the name. If you feel ridiculous screaming “Sushi” at 7 AM, pick something else.
• Context is King: You can pull from anime, history, or nature. It all works if it fits the dog’s vibe.
• Masculine vs. Feminine: Some names are strictly for boys or girls, but honestly? Rules are meant to be broken.
• Great for Native Breeds: Akitas and Shibas almost demand a Japanese name, but a Labrador named “Katsu” is pretty awesome too.

Why is Everyone Suddenly Naming Their Dogs “Mochi”?

Seriously, go to any dog park in America right now. You’ll hear “Mochi,” “Kobe,” and “Yuki” shouted every five minutes. It’s not a coincidence. Japanese culture has hit the mainstream hard, and it’s bleeding into how we talk to our pets.

But I think it goes deeper than just pop culture. Japanese is a percussive language. The words are often short, two syllables, ending in a vowel. They cut through the noise. “Sora!” lands sharper than “Charlie!” When you need your dog to drop a dead squirrel right now, you want a name that snaps like a whip.

Plus, for guys my age who grew up glued to Toonami watching Dragon Ball Z, naming a dog “Goku” isn’t just a choice; it’s practically a requirement.

So, What Are the Heavy Hitters for Boy Dogs?

When you look at your male dog, what do you see? Is he a goofball? A stoic protector? Or just a hungry monster? Japanese boy names often lean into themes of strength (“Ken”), intellect (“Toshi”), or just being a solid dude.

Names That Command Respect (For the Good Boys)

If your dog walks around like he owns the mortgage, give him a name that carries some weight.

Name	Meaning	The Vibe
Kenji	Strong, vigorous	My personal pick. implies health and energy.
Kaito	Ocean flying	Sounds free and fast. Great for runners.
Hiro	Generous	Short, classic, impossible to mess up.
Masato	Righteous person	For the dog that never steals food off the counter.
Daiki	Big radiance	He’s the main character.
Katsu	Victory	Punchy. Sounds like a bark itself.
Ryo	Refreshing, cool	The dog in sunglasses.
Toshi	Wise, bright	He figured out how to open the gate.
Isamu	Courage	Good for a guard dog or a tiny dog with big dreams.
Takeshi	Warrior	Old school tough guy name.
Raiden	Thunder and lightning	High energy. Do not use for lazy dogs.
Ryu	Dragon	The coolest name on the list, hands down.
Samurai	Japanese Warrior	A little cliché, but undeniably hard.
Shogun	Commander	The boss.
Nobu	Faith	Simple, distinctive, easy to yell.
Hideo	Excellent man	“Who’s an excellent man?” You are.
Jiro	Second son	Perfect for dog #2.
Taro	Large son	The big brother name.
Akio	Bright man	Happy-go-lucky.
Benjiro	Enjoys peace	The nap expert.
Chikao	Clever	Border Collies and Poodles.
Daichi	Great land	Grounded and calm.
Eiji	Prosperity, peace	A good luck charm.
Fumio	Scholarly hero	Needs a bowtie collar.
Gen	Spring / Source	Short and sweet.
Goro	Fifth son	You have too many dogs, man.
Hachiro	Eighth son	Seriously, stop collecting dogs.
Haru	Spring (sunlight)	Friendly and warm.
Hayato	Falcon person	Fast as lightning.
Hibiki	Echo	For the barkers.
Hideki	Excellent timber	Solid as a rock.
Hikaru	Light, radiance	He glows.
Hinata	Sunflower	Popularized by Haikyuu!! and Naruto.
Hiraku	Open, expand	Friendly vibes.
Hiroki	Vast timber trees	Big, sturdy breeds.
Hisashi	Long time	Hoping he sticks around forever.
Hitoshi	Motivated person	The frisbee addict.
Hotaka	Tall grain	Majestic.
Ichiro	First son	The OG.
Isao	Merit	He earns his keep.
Itsuki	Timber trees	Nature lover.
Iwao	Rock, stone	Bully breeds fit this well.
Jin	Benevolence	Sweetheart.
Jun	Obedient	Irony is naming a Husky “Jun.”
Kaede	Maple	Reddish coats.
Kaoru	Fragrance	Hopefully he smells good?
Katashi	Firm	Stubborn.
Kazu	Harmony	Peaceful home, peaceful dog.
Keigo	Respect	A noble soul.
Ken	Healthy, strong	Just “Ken.” Like Barbie’s boyfriend, but cooler.
Kenichi	Strong first son	Variation on Ken.
Kenta	Large, strong	Mastiffs and Danes.
Kichiro	Lucky son	Every rescue dog fits this.
Kin	Gold	Goldens, obviously.
Kiyoshi	Purity	White dogs or pure hearts.
Ko	Happiness	Shortest name for the biggest joy.
Kohaku	Amber	Look at those eyes.
Koichi	Happiness one	#1 happiness source.
Koji	Little one	Terriers and Chihuahuas.
Kunio	Country man	Loves the dirt.
Kuro	Black	Black Labs, this is for you.
Kyo	Cooperation	Agility partner.
Madoka	Circle, round	A chubby puppy.
Makoto	Sincerity	He never lies about who ate the trash.
Mamoru	Protector	Dobermans and Shepherds.
Manabu	Learn	Smart cookie.
Masa	Just, true	Straight shooter.
Masaru	Victory	Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
Michi	Pathway	Your hiking buddy.
Michio	Man on a journey	Always wandering off.
Mikio	Tree trunk man	Solid build.
Minoru	Truth	Honest eyes.
Mitsuo	Shining hero	The star of the park.
Nao	Honest	Simple.
Naoki	Honest tree	Reliable.
Noboru	Ascend	Jumps fences.
Nori	Rule / Seaweed	Fun to say.
Norio	Man of law	The fun police.
Osamu	Discipline	Highly trained.
Ren	Lotus	A bit fancy.
Riku	Land	Down to earth.
Rikuto	Person of land	Grounded.
Rokuro	Sixth son	A big pack.
Ronin	Masterless samurai	The ultimate tough wanderer name.
Ryoichi	Good first son	The best boy.
Ryota	Refreshing, thick	Cool but chubby.
Satoshi	Wise	The thinker.
Seiji	Refined, lawful	A gentleman.
Shin	True	Loyal.
Shinji	True second son	Loyal brother.
Shiro	White	Classic.
Sho	Fly/Soar	Catches air.
Shouta	Big flying	Big jumps.
Shun	Speed	Greyhounds/Whippets.
Sora	Sky	Blue eyes.
Susumu	Advance	Always pulling the leash.
Tadao	Loyal man	Standard dog trait.
Tadashi	Loyal, true	Even more loyal.
Takahiro	Widespread nobility	A king.
Takumi	Artisan	Expert at begging.
Tamotsu	Defender	Watchdog.
Tatsuo	Dragon man	Scary bark.
Teiji	Righteous	Good heart.
Teru	Shine	Glossy coat.
Tetsuya	Philosophy	Looks deep into your soul.
Tomio	Treasured man	Precious.
Toru	Pierce	Sharp teeth.
Toshiro	Talented	Does tricks.
Tsuyoshi	Strong	Muscle.
Yamato	Great Harmony	Ancient Japan.
Yasushi	Peaceful	Chill dude.
Yoichi	Masculine first son	Manly man.
Yori	Trust	You trust him with your life.
Yoshi	Lucky/Good	Mario’s dinosaur, yes, but also just “Good.”
Yoshio	Righteous man	Good guy.
Yukio	Happy hero	Snow boy.
Yutaka	Abundant	Lots of fur.
Yuuki	Courage	Brave.

Looking for Something Elegant? Girl Names that Hit Different

Female Japanese names are often stereotyped as just “flowers,” but there is steel underneath that silk. I met an Akita named “Sakura” once who was sweet until another dog looked at her owner wrong. Then she was all teeth. The name needs to match the complexity.

Floral and Classy (But Not Boring)

Japan loves flowers, but these names are about resilience as much as beauty.

• Sakura: Cherry Blossom. Yes, it’s popular. Yes, it’s still beautiful.
• Hana: Flower. Easiest name to say, hard to forget.
• Momo: Peach. Sounds cute, perfect for a fuzzy, round puppy.
• Yuri: Lily. Sounds sophisticated.
• Kiku: Chrysanthemum. A bit sharp, good for a spitz.
• Ran: Orchid. Rare and exotic.
• Tsubaki: Camellia. Blooms in winter. Tougher than it looks.
• Ume: Plum Blossom. The first flower to bloom in the snow.
• Ayame: Iris. Colorful and bold.
• Himawari: Sunflower. For the dog that is literally sunshine.
• Sumire: Violet. Small and sweet.
• Ren: Lotus. Spiritual and pure.
• Bara: Rose. Watch out for the thorns.
• Fuji: Wisteria. Or the mountain. Works both ways.
• Botan: Peony. Big, fluffy flower for a big, fluffy dog.
• Kaede: Maple. Great for autumn-colored coats.
• Kiri: Paulownia. Very official.
• Mikan: Mandarin Orange. Zesty personality.
• Nana: Seven/Vegetables. Also just sounds like a grandma, which is cute.
• Rina: Jasmine. Lovely scent.
• Rio: Cherry Blossom Village.
• Saki: Blossom of Hope. Optimistic.
• Sayuri: Little Lily. Tiny dogs only.
• Suzu: Bell. If her collar jingles, this is the one.
• Yuzuki: Gentle Moon. For the calm night-time snuggler.

Cute Names That Roll Off the Tongue

Sometimes you just want a name that makes people say “Aww.”

Name	Meaning	The Vibe
Aiko	Child of love	The favorite child.
Akemi	Bright beautiful	Stunning.
Akiko	Bright child	Always smiling.
Amaya	Night rain	Moody and beautiful.
Asami	Morning beauty	Gets you up at 5 AM.
Chika	Scattered flowers	A bit chaotic.
Chiyo	1000 generations	An old soul.
Emi	Beautiful blessing	You’re lucky to have her.
Emiko	Smiling child	A happy face.
Eri	Blessed prize	The trophy dog.
Fumiko	Child of beauty	Pretty girl.
Haru	Spring	Works for girls too.
Haruko	Spring child	March/April babies.
Hitomi	Pupil of the eye	Soulful eyes.
Honoka	Harmony flower	Peaceful.
Hoshi	Star	She’s a celebrity.
Hotaru	Firefly	Sparkly.
Izumi	Fountain	High energy, keeps flowing.
Junko	Pure child	Innocent (until proven guilty).
Kazuko	Child of harmony	Peacemaker.
Keiko	Blessed	Regal.
Kiko	Chronical child	She has a history.
Kimi	Noble	Queen of the house.
Kimiko	Empress child	Bow down.
Kiyomi	Pure beauty	Flawless.
Kumiko	Long-time beauty	Ages gracefully.
Kyoko	Respectful child	Well-mannered.
Mai	Dance	Prances when she walks.
Mami	True beauty	Genuine.
Manami	Love beauty	Lovable.
Mao	Dance cherry blossom	Active beauty.
Mariko	True village child	Down to earth.
Mayu	True gentle	Softie.
Mayumi	True gentle beauty	The trifecta.
Megumi	Blessing	Grateful.
Mi	Beauty	Shortest name possible.
Michiko	Wise child	Smart girl.
Midori	Green	Unlikely coat, but nature vibe.
Mie	Three streams	Flowing.
Miki	Princess	Spoiled rotten.
Miku	Beautiful sky	Open spirit.
Minako	Beautiful apple	Sweet.
Mio	Cherry blossom	Classic.
Misaki	Beautiful bloom	Flourishing.
Mitsuko	Light child	Radiant.
Miwa	Harmony	Balanced.
Miyako	Night child	Night owl.
Miyuki	Snow	White dogs.
Momoko	Peach child	Fuzzy.
Moriko	Forest child	Hiker.
Mura	Village	Community dog.
Natsuki	Summer hope	Summer baby.
Natsumi	Beautiful summer	Warm.
Noa	My love	Possessive.
Nobuko	Faithful child	Loyal.
Noriko	Law child	Rule follower.
Rara	Rare	Unique.
Rei	Bell/Lovely	Sweet sound.
Reiko	Lovely child	Darling.
Riko	Jasmine child	Sweet.
Rumi	Beauty flow	Graceful.
Ryoko	Refreshing child	Cool.
Sachiko	Child of bliss	Happy.
Sadako	Pure child	(Scary movie association, careful!).
Saeko	Serene child	Calm.
Satomi	Beautiful wise	Smart.
Shika	Deer	Leggy.
Shina	Virtue	Good girl.
Shizuka	Quiet	Rarely barks.
Sora	Sky	Unisex fave.
Suzu	Bell	Jingly.
Takako	Noble child	Princess.
Tamiko	Many beauties	Multi-talented.
Tomoko	Friendly child	Loves everyone.
Tomomi	Beautiful friend	BFF.
Toshiko	Clever child	Smart.
Umeko	Plum child	Resilient.
Wakana	Harmony music	Melodic howl?
Yasu	Peace	Calm.
Yasuko	Peaceful child	Serene.
Yoko	Ocean child	Water lover.
Yoshie	Beautiful stream	Fluid.
Yoshiko	Good child	The best.
Yua	Binding love	Bonded.
Yui	Connection	(Connections).
Yuina	Vegetables	(Greenery).
Yuka	Gentle flower	Delicate.
Yukari	Affinity	Connection.
Yuki	Snow/Happiness	Very popular.
Yukiko	Snow child	Winter born.
Yuko	Gentle child	Softie.
Yumi	Reason beauty	Purposeful.
Yumiko	Reason beauty child	Logical?
Yuri	Lily	Flower.
Yuriko	Lily child	Little lily.
Yuuna	Gentle	Soft.

Is Your Dog Basically a Cartoon Character?

I’m not ashamed to admit I named a goldfish “Ponyo” once. Anime names are fantastic because they come pre-loaded with personality. If you name your dog “Naruto,” you know exactly what you’re getting: a hyperactive knucklehead who never gives up.

Studio Ghibli Vibes

Hayao Miyazaki gave us names that feel magical.

1. Totoro: You need a big, grey, sleepy dog for this. It’s mandatory.
2. Jiji: The black cat from Kiki’s, but works perfectly for a sassy black dog.
3. Haku: The river spirit. Noble, fast, and mysterious.
4. Chihiro: The brave little survivor.
5. Ponyo: For the dog that loves water and ham. Especially ham.
6. San: Princess Mononoke. Fierce, wild, probably bites.
7. Moro: The wolf goddess. Perfect for a Husky or Shepherd with an attitude.
8. Yakul: The red elk. Loyal companion.
9. Kiki: The little witch.
10. Calcifer: The fire demon. Tiny, loud, and spicy.
11. No-Face (Kaonashi): Quiet, maybe a bit clingy?
12. Baron: The gentleman. Needs a top hat.
13. Yubaba: The bossy old lady. Great for a grumpy Pug.
14. Kamaji: The boiler man. Hard worker.
15. Satsuki: Responsible older sister.
16. Mei: Loud little sister.
17. Seiji: The violin boy.
18. Ashitaka: The cursed prince. Brave.
19. Kodama: The little tree spirits.
20. Teto: The fox-squirrel. For the high-energy ankle biters.

The Shonen Jump All-Stars

Does your dog have “Main Character Energy”?

• Goku: (Dragon Ball) Pure heart, empty head, endless hunger.
• Vegeta: (Dragon Ball) grumpy, prideful, but secretly loves you.
• Naruto: (Naruto) Loud. Very loud.
• Sasuke: (Naruto) Too cool for you.
• Kakashi: (Naruto) Chill, reliable, covers his face (with fur?).
• Luffy: (One Piece) Will eat literally anything.
• Zoro: (One Piece) Get this if your dog constantly gets lost in the backyard.
• Nami: (One Piece) Smart and loves treats.
• Chopper: (One Piece) The doctor. Cute and fluffy.
• Ichigo: (Bleach) Strawberry/Protector.
• Rukia: (Bleach) Small but tough.
• Gon: (Hunter x Hunter) Friendly to a fault.
• Killua: (Hunter x Hunter) Assassin skills (at catching balls).
• Deku: (My Hero Academia) Anxious but trying his best.
• Bakugo: (My Hero Academia) Explodes at the mailman.
• Shoto: (My Hero Academia) Hot and cold personality.
• Tanjiro: (Demon Slayer) The nicest boy in the world.
• Nezuko: (Demon Slayer) Precious, sleeps a lot.
• Inosuke: (Demon Slayer) Absolutely feral.
• Zenitsu: (Demon Slayer) Scared of his own shadow.
• Light: (Death Note) Too smart for his own good.
• L: (Death Note) Weird sitting posture.
• Ryuk: (Death Note) Loves apples.
• Edward: (Fullmetal Alchemist) Don’t call him small.
• Alphonse: (Fullmetal Alchemist) Big body, gentle soul.
• Saitama: (One Punch Man) One bark man.
• Genos: (One Punch Man) Loyal cyborg.
• JoJo: (JoJo) Pose striking expert.
• Dio: (JoJo) A villain, but a stylish one.
• Guts: (Berserk) Has seen some things. A survivor.
• Spike: (Cowboy Bebop) Cool, jazz vibes.
• Jet: (Cowboy Bebop) The dad of the group.
• Faye: (Cowboy Bebop) High maintenance.
• Ein: (Cowboy Bebop) Literally a Corgi. If you have a Corgi, you almost have to.

Warning: These Names Will Make You Hungry

My buddy Dave named his Bulldog “Tonkatsu.” Every time he yells for his dog, I start craving fried pork. Japanese food names are cute, memorable, and safe. You can’t really offend anyone with a food name.

Savory Snacks

• Sushi: Classic. Maybe a bit overused, but classic.
• Sashimi: A raw choice (pun intended).
• Tempura: Crispy. Great for Golden Retrievers.
• Udon: Thick, chunky noodle. Perfect for English Bulldogs.
• Soba: Thin noodle. Greyhounds.
• Ramen: Curly hair? Poodle mix?
• Miso: Soup base. Very popular cat name, works for dogs too.
• Tofu: White, soft, mild.
• Natto: Sticky fermented beans. A divisive name for a dog with a funky personality.
• Gyoza: Dumpling. Small and packed with energy.
• Wasabi: Spicy! For a dog with a sharp bite or attitude.
• Takoyaki: Octopus ball. Round dogs only.
• Okonomiyaki: Savory pancake. “Okonomi” means “what you like”—great for a mutt.
• Kobe: Premium beef. For the dog that eats better than you do.
• Wagyu: Also premium beef.
• Unagi: Eel. Slippery escape artists.
• Panko: Breadcrumbs. Scruffy, wire-haired dogs.
• Shoyu: Soy sauce. Dark coats.
• Ponzu: Citrus sauce. Zesty.
• Dashi: Broth. The base of everything.
• Oden: Winter stew. Warm and comforting.
• Bento: Lunch box. Compact.
• Katsu: Cutlet.
• Curry: Spicy stew.
• Edamame: Green bean. Small, sweet, addictive.

Sweet Treats

• Mochi: Rice cake. Soft, squishy, sweet. The #1 name for a reason.
• Matcha: Green tea.
• Anko: Red bean paste.
• Dango: Dumpling on a stick.
• Pocky: Chocolate stick. Skinny dogs.
• Taiyaki: Fish-shaped cake.
• Dorayaki: Pancake sandwich.
• Yuzu: Citrus fruit.
• Azuki: Red bean. Small and reddish.
• Purin: Pudding. Jiggly.
• Ichigo: Strawberry.
• Momo: Peach.
• Ringo: Apple.
• Nashi: Pear.
• Kaki: Persimmon.
• Kuri: Chestnut. Brown dogs.
• Kinako: Roasted soy flour. Tan dogs.
• Ame: Candy.
• Castella: Sponge cake.
• Ramune: Soda pop. Bubbly personality.

Going with the Color? (Simple is Good)

Sometimes the best name is just describing what you see. But “Blackie” is boring. “Kuro” sounds mysterious.

White Dogs

• Shiro: White.
• Yuki: Snow.
• Mashiro: Pure white.
• Tofu: Bean curd.
• Kumo: Cloud.
• Gin: Silver.
• Haku: White (also means soul).
• Shinju: Pearl.

Black Dogs

• Kuro: Black.
• Sumi: Ink.
• Yoru: Night.
• Kage: Shadow.
• Karasu: Crow/Raven.
• Kuroame: Black rain.
• Ankoku: Darkness. (For the goth dog).
• Goma: Sesame.

Red/Brown Dogs

• Aka: Red.
• Kurumi: Walnut.
• Kaede: Maple.
• Kuri: Chestnut.
• Choco: Chocolate.
• Kin: Gold.
• Kitsune: Fox. If you have a Shiba, this is accurate.
• Tanuki: Raccoon dog. For the bandits.
• Azuki: Red bean.

Spotted/Patterned Dogs

• Buchi: Spotted.
• Panda: Panda.
• Tora: Tiger. (Brindle coats).
• Shima: Stripe.
• Marmon: Marble.

What if You Have a Shiba or Akita?

If you own a Japanese breed, you know the drill. They are independent, cat-like, and they judge you. I remember taking Kenji to obedience class; he learned the commands instantly, then just refused to do them. They need names that reflect that dignity (and stubbornness).

• Hachiko: The legend. The most loyal dog in history.
• Maru: Round.
• Doge: (Meme). Please, think twice. But it’s funny.
• Kabosu: The real name of the Doge meme Shiba. RIP.
• Kuma: Bear. Akitas literally look like bears.
• Inu: Dog. Literal.
• WanWan: Woof Woof.
• Shiba: Brushwood.
• Ten: Heaven/Sky.
• Kami: God/Spirit.
• Boss: Fits their personality perfectly.
• Taisho: General.
• Senshi: Soldier.
• Kaiser: Emperor.
• Mikado: Emperor.
• Daimyo: Feudal lord.
• Ninja: Stealthy.
• Samurai: Warrior.
• Geisha: Entertainer.
• Maiko: Apprentice Geisha.
• Sumo: Wrestler. For the chunky boys.
• Yokozuna: Grand champion sumo.
• Fuji: The mountain.
• Kyoto: The old capital.
• Tokyo: The modern capital.
• Osaka: The food capital.
• Nippon: Japan.

How Do Japanese Honorifics Work?

You might hear people adding little tags to the end of names. It’s a way to show affection or status.

• -chan: Cute, small. Mochi-chan. (Little Mochi).
• -kun: For boys. Kenji-kun. (Young Kenji).
• -san: Mr./Ms. Formal. Kuma-san. (Mr. Bear).
• -sama: Lord. Doge-sama. (Lord Doge). Use this if your dog runs the house.
• -senpai: Senior/Mentor.

Calling your dog “Hiro-kun” at the park definitely turns heads, but it sounds affectionate as hell.

Nature-Inspired Names: Earth, Wind, and Fire

Japan’s connection to nature is huge. These names ground your dog to the elements.

Sky and Weather

• Sora: Sky.
• Kaze: Wind.
• Ame: Rain.
• Yuki: Snow.
• Raiden: Thunder/Lightning.
• Kaminari: Thunder.
• Inazuma: Lightning flash.
• Arashi: Storm.
• Taiyo: Sun.
• Tsuki: Moon.
• Hoshi: Star.
• Kumo: Cloud.
• Niji: Rainbow.
• Kasumi: Mist.
• Kiri: Fog.
• Asahi: Morning Sun.
• Yuhi: Setting Sun.

Earth and Water

• Umi: Ocean.
• Kai: Ocean (Yes, very popular).
• Kawa: River.
• Yama: Mountain.
• Taki: Waterfall.
• Ishi: Stone.
• Iwa: Rock.
• Tsuchi: Earth.
• Mori: Forest.
• Hayashi: Woods.
• Tani: Valley.
• Shima: Island.
• Namida: Tear.
• Nami: Wave.
• Oki: Open sea.
• Riku: Land.
• Sun: Sand (Suna).

Seasons

• Haru: Spring.
• Natsu: Summer.
• Aki: Autumn.
• Fuyu: Winter.
• Kisetsu: Season.

The Final Verdict: Just Pick One Already

Choosing a name feels massive. You’re going to say this word probably 50 times a day for the next 15 years. You’ll say it when you’re cuddling, and you’ll scream it when they’re digging up your rose bushes.

My advice? Don’t overthink it. Look at your dog. Say, “Come here, Yoshi!” Does his tail wag? Does he tilt his head? Sometimes, the dog picks the name. When I first tried “Kenji” on my Shiba, he actually stopped chewing my shoe and looked at me. That was the moment I knew.

Go through this list, pick your top three, and test them out. Whether you go with a tough Samurai name like Takeo or a sweet treat like Mochi, your dog will grow into it.

For more information on Japanese breeds and their history, check out this guide from the American Kennel Club.

Good luck. You’re gonna need it.

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