Favorite Japanese Names - Contemporary

A popular Japanese name used for the young heroine of the animated film, "Spirited Away."

Succinct and memorable, Yuki is a Japanese name, which may relate to winter or joy, depending on the kanji used. It is a unisex choice, notably borne by singer Yuki Kuramochi (stylized as YUKI).

Seen as both a given name and a surname in Japan. There was a Princess Izumi in eighth-century Japan, forbidden from marriage as her older sisters had already been paired off with the Emperor's sons.

Short and sweet alternative to Mia, Mila, Maya, et al.

Koji, also written as Kōji, is a common name among men in Japan. It is also featured as a character name in many anime series.

The childhood name of the heroine of Memoirs of a Geisha is pretty and accessible. Chiyiko is a pet form.

Common name in Japan primarily associated with Hitomi (Furuya), a mononymous Japanese singer.

Kohei is one Japanese name that could easily be used by English speakers.The fact that it's the name of world champion gymnast Kohei Uchimura doesn't hurt its popularity.