What Japanese surname means light?

There are an estimated 300,000 Japanese last names.Around 300 B.C., people in Japan began using occupational or geographical names to define their clan (a group of people related by blood, marriage or a common ancestor). These clans grew into small kingdoms, which were then united under one ruler who gave each clan a designation according to their societal status. This was called the Uji-Kabane system and was the foundation for Japanese family names.

Finding out the meaning of your last name can teach you so much about your family history. Use the list below to find your last name and learn about its meaning and origins.

Most Popular Japanese Last Names on FamilyEducation: Amari, Akiyama, Fujiwara

Image: Mount Fuji, Japan

List of Japanese Last Names