13 Japanese Cat Names Inspired by Coloring, Anime and More

Cats are both wonderful and intriguing pets. Choosing a unique name that suits your cat’s look and personality can be challenging.

Some of the cutest cat names are based on anime characters, however, there are many Japanese names for cats. Whether you’re seeking a name with a hidden meaning or a unique name that simply describes your cat’s character, you’ll find it in this list.

While there are numerous options available, I’ve broken these Japanese cat names down into categories based on gender, nature, coloring, and more.

Key Things to Think About when choosing Japanese Cat Names

1. Your Cat’s Appearance

The color of your cat or its markings can help you make a choice. Look at your kitty’s shape as well – is he sleek or solid? Pointy ears or flat back ears? Fluffy or sleek? Think about the concept of Onomatopoeia. This is when a word looks like what it describes.

2. The Personality of your Cat

A great cat name may reflect your cat’s personality. This can be difficult with a new cat as of course you haven’t gotten to know them yet and your cat may be very young so its personality is still developing. Take a few days to observe your new kitty and see what it is like.

A quiet and shy cat won’t suit the name Joker.

3. Your Cat’s Breed

Breeds can provide name ideas. How about Richard Parker for a Himalayan Cat?

4. Keep the name Short

You will use your cat’s name an awful lot – so the fewer the syllables the better. Also, this will be easier for your cat to absorb and remember.

Plus it is likely that you will be introducing your cat to friends, family, vets and others so a shorter name is easier for everyone to understand and remember.

5. Don’t choose a name that is bigger than your cat

Aslan might not be the best bet if your cat is a Munchkin.

6. The name should have longevity

It may seem hilarious to give your cat a lengthy name when you first get it but you may well tire of calling this name out and sharing it with others.

7. Be nice

Names that aren’t terribly flattering to your feline will most likely tire quickly such as Cow.

8. Make sure it fits with other cats in your household

Food is a great opportunity to develop matching names for cats in your household – like Pepper and Salt. Or Sylvester and Tweety. Or Ebony and Ivory. So many good combinations and options!

What if I choose the wrong cat name?

I know I let you know that your cat does learn its name but if you choose to change your cat’s name after a few weeks it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

There is no evidence one way or the other as to what happens when a new owner changes the name of an older cat eg if you were to get a rescue kitty who was already several years old. I would suggest trying your name of choice and giving it a few months to stick and then making a decision from there.

13 Best Japanese Cat Names

1. Adzuki

Adzuki is a small red bean that was originally grown in the Hokkaido area of Japan. If you’ve got yourself a cat of a smaller breed, then this is the ideal name for your new feline friend.

2. Chibi

If you have just gotten your first kitten and you are feeling oh so amazed by how adorable and tiny it is, then why not give it a name that symbolizes this? ‘Chibi’ is the Japanese word for tiny or little, so you’ll always remember just how minute your cat was when you first got it.

3. Emi

Looking after your own cat can be tough, but they can so easily put a smile on your face. ‘Emi,’ meaning smile in Japanese, is a great way to reflect how happy your kitty makes you. Or you can take it one step further by naming your cat ‘Emiko,’ which means smiling child.

4. Fuku

If you feel lucky to have a cat to call your own, or your cat was lucky to end up with an owner like you, then you’ve found the ideal name. ‘Fuku’ is the Japanese word for lucky.

5. Hana

Flowers are both beautiful and delicate. If your kitty is both beautiful and gentle, why not name it ‘Hana,’ the Japanese word for flower.

6. Haru

Spring symbolizes new beginnings. Mark the new start with your kitten by naming it ‘Haru,’ which means spring. Or, you could name it ‘Haruko/Haruki’ which translates to spring child.

7. Kai

The ocean can be calm one moment and wild the next – cats can be just as temperamental at times. This makes a Japanese word for the ocean, ‘Kai,’ an ideal name for a quiet and fierce cat.

8. Mei

All cats are beautiful. But if you think your feline companion is the most spectacular one out there, then naming it ‘Mei’ is perfect. This means beautiful in Japanese.

9. Nao

One could say that cats are completely honest. If they want your attention, they make it known. If they’re not interested, then you’ll know that for sure. Naming your cat ‘Nao’ (the Japanese word for honest) is a great way to acknowledge this trait.

10. Sakura

Japan is known for its spectacular pink cherry blossoms. Whether you love the look of these flowers or what they represent (life and renewal), the Japanese word for cherry blossom, Sakura, is perfect for a feline.

11. Sora

‘Sora’ is the Japanese word for sky. It’s also a gender-neutral name, making it perfect for male or female cats!

12. Yoshi

‘Yoshi’ is the Japanese word for good or best. Getting a kitten or cat is one of the best decisions you could make. So, why not name your kitty ‘Yoshi’?

13. Yuri

The lily flower is found throughout Japan and tends to have high ornamental value due to its beauty. This makes ‘Yuri’ (meaning lily) the perfect name for a gorgeous little kitten.

Cute Japanese Cat Names

With their round, soft bodies and adorable purrs and meows, cats are possibly the cutest domestic animals out there. Below, you’ll find several cute Japanese cat names that perfectly surmise how sweet and loveable your cat is.

• Ai – Love
• Aiko – Little Love
• Akachan – Baby
• Akina – Spring flower
• Chīsai – Small
• Chika – Scattered Flowers
• Chisai tori – Little bird
• Chīsana – Pocket-size
• Chotto – Small
• Etsu – Delight
• Fuji – Unique
• Hare – Sunny
• Hashi – Chopsticks
• Himari – Sunflower
• Ichigo – Strawberry
• Kamu – Chewy
• Kanmi – Sweetness
• Karikari – Crunchy
• Kegawa – Fur
• Keiko – Adored One
• Kichōna – Precious
• Kin – Golden
• Kioko – Happy
• Kirei – Pretty
• Koneko – Kitten
• Koro – Roly-poly
• Maru – Plump or round
• Mausu – Mouse
• Minako – Apple tree
• Mochi – Rice cake
• Oishi – Tasty
• Pinku – Pink
• Rini – Little bunny
• Rozu – Rose
• Saki – Blossom
• Satu – Sugar
• Shai – Shy
• Shizuka – Quiet
• Shuga – Sugar
• Suitopi – Sweet pea flower
• Suki – Beloved
• Suzume – Sparrow
• Ume – Plum blossom
• Watage – Fluff
• Yamu – Yummy
• Yosei – Fairy or sprite

Japanese Cat Names Inspired by Nature

If you’re the kind of person who loves spending time in the outdoors, or you’ve noticed your new furry friend enjoys spending time outside, then a nature-inspired name may be just what they need. Oh, and be sure to get them a stunning collar to match.

• Amaya – Night rain
• Cho – Butterfly (or Chou for butterflies)
• Daichi – From the earth
• Hoshi – Star
• Hotaru – Firefly
• Kawa – River
• Kuuki – Air
• Mori – Forest
• Nami – Wave
• Ohisama or Taiyou – Sun
• Rina – Jasmine
• Rini -Little bunny
• Shino – Bamboo stalk
• Taki – Waterfall
• Tsuki – Moon
• Uchuu – The cosmos

Japanese Cat Names Based on Coloring

Giving your cat a name based on the color of its coat may sound boring. But choosing a Japanese name gives it a whole new twist.

Names for Cats With White Fur

In general, there are plenty of names for white-furred animals, but choosing a Japanese name for a cat with a white coat is just extra unique.

• Akari – Light
• Akira – Bright
• Awai – Pale
• Deiji – Daisy
• Fuyu – Winter
• Fuyuko – Winter child
• Gin – Silvery
• Hakahu – White crane
• Iguru – Igloo
• Kaiko – Silkworm
• Kiri – Fog
• Kitsune – White fox
• Kori – Ice
• Kumo – Cloud
• Mashiro – Pure White
• Mashumaro – Marshmallow
• Miruku – Mil
• Misuto – Mist
• Miyuki – Beautiful snow
• Reiki – Chill or cold
• Shimo – Frost
• Shinju – Pearl
• Shirasagi – White egret
• Shiroi or Shiroi neko – White or white cat
• Sunoboru – Snowball
• Tenshi – Angel
• Tofu – Block of condensed soy milk
• Tsurana – Icicle
• Wata no kyū – Cottonball
• Yuki – Snow
• Yukigafuru – Snowy or full snow
• Yukiko – Snow child
• Yurei – Ghost or Spirit
• Zoge – Ivory

Names for Ginger Cats

When people think of ginger cats, their minds often jump to Garfield – the sizeable cat who loved lasagna. Well, if you’ve found yourself with an adorable ginger kitty breed but are looking for a different name, here’s what you’ve been looking for.

• Aka – Red
• Akane – Brilliant red
• Aki – Autumn
• Anko – Red bean paste
• Azuki – Sweet red beans
• Cheda – Cheddar cheese
• Do – Copper
• Gorudo – Gold
• Kabocha – Pumpkin
• Kaede – Maple
• Kasai – Fire
• Kohaku – Amber
• Kōkai – Red Sea
• Koraru – Cora
• Kyou – Apricot
• Mikan – Orange (fruit)
• Moeru – Blaze
• Orenji – Orange (color)
• Sabita – Rusty
• Shinku – Crimson
• Shoga – Ginger

Names for Tabby/Brown Cats

Choosing a name that literally describes your animal is quick and easy, but choosing a Japanese name adds a whole different level of flair. Give your brown or tabby cat a name that suits both its persona and looks.

• Amondo – Almond
• Beju – Beige
• Buchi – Tabby
• Choco – Chocolate
• Kasshoku – Brown
• Kokoa – Cocoa
• Komugi – Wheat
• Kosho – Pepper
• Kuri – Chestnut
• Kurumi – Walnut
• Natsumegu – Nutmeg
• Reo – Leo
• Shima – Stripes
• Shinrin – Woodland
• Tafi – Toffee
• Tanuki – Badger
• Tora – Tiger
• Toro Chan – Little tiger

Names for Black Cats

While most people think black cats mean bad luck, Japanese culture celebrates them as a sign of good luck – especially for single women. Why not choose a Japanese name to celebrate your kitty’s wonderful dark coat?

• Akumi – The dark
• Amaya – Night rain
• An (or Daku) – Dark
• Anri – Dark jasmine
• Hai – Ash
• Hatsuki – Moonflower
• Kage – Shadow
• Kaguya – Shining night
• Karasu – Raven
• Kazan – Volcano
• Kuro neko – Black cat
• Kuroguro – Deep black
• Kyoho – Dark grapes
• Makkuro – Pitch black or inky
• Mayonaka – Midnight
• Mika – New Moon
• Mokutan – Charcoal
• Sekitan – Coal
• Sumi – Black ink
• Sumoki – Smoky
• Susu – Soot
• Yami – Darkness
• Yami – Dark
• Yamiyo – Dark night
• Yasha – Night devil
• Yoru – Night

Female Japanese Cat Names

Felinity and femininity have long since been associated with one another. This is due to their independence, amongst other factors. So if you’re getting a female feline, be sure to give her a name that does her personality justice.

• Aia – Ruler
• Arisu – Noble
• Ayame – Iris
• Bashira – Joyful
• Chieko – Child of wisdom
• Danuja – A ruler
• Eiji – Cheerful
• Haia – Nimble
• Hayami – Rare or unusual beauty
• Hime – Princess
• Jin – Tender
• Katsumi – Victorious beauty
• Kayda – Little dragon
• Kimiko – Empress child
• Mai – Dance
• Midori – Green
• Moriko – Child of the forest
• Nakano – Female warrior
• Nyoko – A gem
• Riko – Child of truth
• Rin – Dignified
• Sara – Vivid blossom
• Satoko – Wise child
• Takara – Treasure
• Tomoko – Intellect
• Tomomi – Beautiful friend
• Yasuko – Peaceful child

Male Japanese Cat Names

Whether your male cat is your first fur baby, looks wise, or acts courageously, there’s a Japanese cat name that will suit him.

• Akemi – Beautiful dawn
• Akihiko – Shining prince
• Arakan – Worthy one
• Benjiro – Enjoys peace
• Dai – Large
• Eichi – Wisdom
• Hibiki – Echo
• Hikaru – Radiance
• Hitoshi – Even tempered
• Ichiro – First son
• Isamu – Courage
• Jiro – Second son
• Kaito – Supportive
• Katoro – Small boy
• Katsuro – Victorious son
• Kenichi – A wise first son
• Kenji – A healthy second son
• Kitaro – Happy boy
• Kouta – Great peace
• Madoka – Circle or round
• Masaru – Victory
• Minoru – Truth
• Mitsuo – Shining hero
• Ninja – Ninjutsu master
• Noboru – Ascend or rise
• Nobu – Faith
• Nori – To rule
• Raiden – Thunder and lightning
• Riku – Land
• Ryu – Dragon
• Samurai – A Japanese warrior
• Senshi – Warrior
• Tadashi – Loyal
• Tamotsu – Protector
• Tomi – Prosperous
• Toshi – Wise
• Tsuyoshi – strong
• Yasu – Peace
• Yori – Trust

Japanese Cat Names Inspired by Hello Kitty

Japan is obsessed with this little white kitty. If you adore the cartoon character too, here are some Hello Kitty-inspired names for your feline friend.

• Kitty White
• Daniel
• Charmmy
• George
• Mary
• Mimmy

Anime-Themed Japanese Cat Names

Japan is the country from which hand-drawn computer animations like Dragon-Ball Z and Pokémon originated. If you’re obsessed with these anime shows, why not name your cat after one of your favorite characters?

• Aang – From ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’
• Arthur – From ‘Code Geass’
• Asami – From ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra’
• Asuka – From ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’
• Asuna – From ‘Sword Art Online’
• Bolin – From ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra’
• Carla – From ‘Fairy Tail’
• Chi – From ‘Chi’s Sweet Home’
• Doraemon – From ‘Doraemon’
• Goku – From ‘Dragon Ball -Z’
• Hideki – From ‘Angel Beats’
• Hinata – From ‘Naruto’
• Ichigo – From ‘Bleach’
• Kamineko – From ‘Azumanga Daioh’
• Kanade – From ‘Angel Beats’
• Katara – From ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’
• Kirito – From ‘Sword Art Online’
• Kora – From ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra’
• Korin – From ‘Dragon Ball Z’
• Kuro – From ‘Blue Exorcist’
• Kuroneko-sama – From ‘Trigun’
• Luna & Artemis – From ‘Sailor Moon’
• Mao – From ‘Darker than Black’
• Milo – From ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra’
• Misa – From ‘Death Note’
• Misato – From ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’
• Molly – From ‘The Ancient Magus Bride’
• Naruto – From ‘Naruto’
• Neko-sensei – From ‘Princess Tutu’
• Nyan – From the game ‘Nyan Cat’
• Orihime – From ‘Bleach’
• Rei – From ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’
• Rukia – From ‘Bleach’
• Ryuk – From ‘Death Note’
• Sakamoto – From ‘Nichijoum’
• Sasuke – From ‘Naruto’
• Shinji – From ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’
• Sokka – From ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’
• Suguha – From ‘Sword Art Online’
• Takamatsu – From ‘Angel Beats’
• Toph – From ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’
• Totoro – From ‘My Neighbour Totoro’
• Vegeta – From ‘Dragon Ball -Z’
• Yuzuru – From ‘Angel Beats’

Food & Beverage Related Cat Names

From delectable sushi to matcha tea, Japan sure does have some delicious and interesting items on its menu. Below are several cat names based on Japanese cuisine.

• Matcha
• Mirin
• Miso
• Sashimi
• Sushi

Unusual Cat Names

A unique cat breed deserves a name that’s as quirky and unusual as they are. While choosing a Japanese cat name can be considered unusual, these names are even more different.

• Fuji – Japan’s most famous landmark
• Ichika – Gift
• Kanaye – Zealous one
• Kisho – One who knows their own mind
• Miami – Smiling with truth
• Nen – Deep hope
• Setsuko – Temperate child
• Shiori – Guide
• Tamako – Precious stone
• Toshiko – Alert and valued child