Japanese dog names

Love dogs? Admire Japanese culture? (Who doesn’t?) Well, you’re in the paw-fect place – we’ve created the cutest collection of Japanese dog names that honor the rich heritage of the Land of the Rising Sun. 

Prepare to em-bark on a journey through our list of 100+ inu (dog) names inspired by everything you love about Japan, including breed-specific monikers for your new Japanese pup. By the end, you’ll have all the ins-paw-ration you need to say konichiwa to the perfect name for dogs in Japanese. 

Also, don’t worry, we’ve included the English meanings for each name if your Japanese isn’t up to scratch! So, sit back, relax, and get ready to find the best name for your new furry family member…

Japanese male dog names

Whether your pup’s more like a Senshi (warrior) or a Satoshi (wise), you’ll find the paw-fect name for your new beautiful boy, choosing from our list of male dog names in Japanese…

• Aki (bright)
• Daiki (great glory)
• Eiji (eternity)
• Fumio (literature)
• Gen (source)
• Haruki (shining sun)
• Ichiro (first son)
• Jiro (second son)
• Kaito (ocean flying)
• Makoto (sincerity)
• Nori (rule)
• Osamu (discipline)
• Ryo (excellent)
• Satoshi (wise)
• Taro (eldest son)
• Yori (reliable)
• Zen (goodness)
• Hiroshi (generous)
• Toshi (alert)

Related article: Top male dog names

Japanese female dog names

Although we’ve listed these female Japanese names for dogs, they would suit any size, breed or gender. Just look at how beautiful these names are (and just imagine how cute they’d sound in the dog park!)

• Ai (love)
• Sakura (cherry blossom)
• Yumi (beautiful)
• Emi (blessed with beauty)
• Hana (flower)
• Izumi (fountain, spring)
• Kiko (hope)
• Mariko (circle)
• Nao (honest)
• Yoko (sunshine)
• Rei (grateful)
• Saki (blossom hope)
• Umi (ocean)
• Yuki (happiness)
• Kiyo (purity)
• Rika (true fragrance)
• Aiko (love child)
• Miyu (beautiful gentle)
• Naomi (honest beautiful)
• Rin (dignified)

Related article: Top female dog names

Kawaii dog names

Want your pooch to seem even cuter? There’s only one kawaii to do it – choosing from our list of cute Japanese names for pets…

• Momo (peach)
• Chibi (small, short)
• Kuma (bear)
• Yuki (snow)
• Hoshi (star)
• Mochi (rice cake)
• Natsu (summer)
• Tofu (bean curd)
• Koko (heart)
• Fuyu (winter)

Related articles: Cute dog names

Unique Japanese dog names

Want to have fun with fuji (unique) names? These outside-the-box Japanese dog names will ensure that your pooch is the bark of the town…

• Shinobu (endurance)
• Tsukiko (moon child)
• Gennai (genius)
• Masuyo (beneficial world)
• Yuzuki (gentle moon)
• Natsuki (summer hope)
• Tomiko (rich child)
• Shiori (guide, weave)
• Izanagi (he who invites)
• Kiyoshi (pure)

Related article:Top unique dog names

Dog names inspired by Japan

Where better to look for ins-paw-ration than the beautiful country itself? Japan has a wealth of incredible landmarks and historic tails, so take your pick from these incredible Japanese dog names inspired by the Land of the Rising Sun…

• Kyoto (city in Japan)
• Yen (currency)
• Zen (Buddhism practice)
• Sushi (food)
• Fuji (Mount Fuji)
• Kimono (traditional clothing)
• Miso (type of soup)
• Samurai (warrior)
• Origami (art of paper folding)
• Sumo (type of wrestling)

Related article: Popular dog names

Japanese culture dog names

If you’re anything like us, you love Japanese culture. From anime to bonsai trees, there are so many beautiful cultural references to inspire your Japanese dog name…

• Anime (cartoon)
• Manga (comic)
• Haiku (poem)
• Karate (martial art)
• Kabuki (drama)
• Bonsai (miniature tree)
• Sake (rice wine)
• Kendo (sword fighting)
• Geisha (performing artist)
• Ikebana (flower arrangement)

Related articles: 50+ exciting dog names

Names for Japanese breeds

Even if you’re not from the country yourself, it makes paw-fect sense to name your Japanese breed after one of the nation’s exports. From Akitas to the Japanese Spitz, we’ve got plenty of Japanese dog names for specific breeds…

Akita names

Want names for an Akita? You’re in the best place. Originally used by samurai for guarding, Akita are now simply adorable balls of fur, and we’ve got suitable names for your big fluffy friend…

• Taka (honorable)
• Nobu (trust)
• Kuma (bear)
• Yori (reliable)
• Hiro (generous)

Related article: 300 husky names

Shiba Inu names

These fox-like pooches are famously alert, loyal and lively. So, why not honor their unique paw-sonality with one of these Japanese dog names for Shiba Inus?

• Ren (lotus)
• Sora (sky)
• Mitsu (light)
• Toshi (alert)
• Yama (mountain)

Related article: 150+ cute Labrador names

Japanese Spitz names

White in color, pure in the soul – give your happy-go-lucky Spitz one of these adorable Japanese dog names that honor their fun-loving nature…

• Yuki (snow)
• Shiro (white)
• Hikari (light)
• Momo (peach)
• Aoi (blue)

Related article: 150 royal dog names

Japanese Chin names

The Japanese Chin is famed for its charm and loyalty, making it the paw-fect canine companion! So, check out these Japanese Chin dog names…

• Yasu (filled with peace)
• Hikaru (radiance or light)
• Takumi (artistic nature)
• Kazuki (harmony)
• Yoshio (life full of joy)

Related article: 165+ golden retriever names

Japanese dog name tips

Arigato! You've reached the final part of our captivating collection of Japanese dog names. By now, your imagination should be running wild with delightful name ideas for your new four-legged family member. But don’t panic if you’re still stuck, because we have some extra tips…

We recommend that you take a moment to ponder your pup’s unique traits (before settling on a name, that is!). Does your furry friend embody the spirited nature and energy of a Matsuri festival? Then consider Japanese dog names like Haru or Yuki, evoking feelings of joy and celebration.

Alternatively, if your new furball is as graceful and serene as a Japanese garden, why not pick names like Sakura or Zen? Let your canine's charm and quirks guide your decision.

Our last tip may seem obvious, but you should seek a name that rolls off the tongue effortlessly, as you'll be calling it out with joy during walks and sharing it with fellow pooch lovers (including your future house sitters!). Also, avoid names that sound like common commands, like “wait” or “sit,  to prevent any confusion during training sessions.

Got a trip planned but can’t bring your four-legged friend along? Whether it’s a summer vacation or a weekend away for work, we’re sure “finding a dog sitter near me” is top of your to-do list! Travel with peace of mind with the help of a loving in-house pet sitter, who will give your precious pooch all the care and attention they need from the comfort of your very own home. Head over to TrustedHousesitters HQ today to find out more about becoming a member of our community of pet people!