Choosing a name for your newborn son or daughter can be tough. Not only are you responsible for bestowing a name upon another human being—a collection of vowels and consonants that that will stick with them for life and likely have a profound effect on how people initially perceive their owner—but if you live in a country like Japan, then you not only have to choose the baby’s name, but how it will be written in kanji characters as well. Talk about pressure.
But that’s the reason we have baby name lists! For the past two years we’ve been keeping track of the most popular names for baby boys and girls in Japan, and this year we’re keeping up the tradition. Take a peek at what trends are spreading through Japan by seeing which names are in this year and which are out.

Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Totoro Tummy Blanket gives you the belly warmth of Ghibli’s cuddliest character【Photos】
“Shut up and take my money”: DeLorean selling real-life flux capacitors
The 5 best Japanese bento to buy at Kyoto Station
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Otaku crime: Kyoto police arrest man for selling counterfeit ultra-rare Yu-Gi-Oh! card
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Totoro Tummy Blanket gives you the belly warmth of Ghibli’s cuddliest character【Photos】
“Shut up and take my money”: DeLorean selling real-life flux capacitors
The 5 best Japanese bento to buy at Kyoto Station
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Otaku crime: Kyoto police arrest man for selling counterfeit ultra-rare Yu-Gi-Oh! card
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Japan Super Budget Dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Doutor?
Believe it or not, this isn’t a Tokyo vending machine – It’s a secret door to deliciousness
Tokyo National Museum seeking donations to pave over pond, create space for beer and music events
Super Sentai Series to end after this season
You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
Japan’s famous Suica Penguin JR train pass card mascot is “graduating”/being laid off
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino