Inouye

Inouye is a Japanese-origin surname, a romanization variant of Inoue (井上). The name literally means “above the well” and is common among Japanese families. Inouye is frequently found in the United States, particularly within Hawaiian and broader Japanese American communities, reflecting historical immigration and transliteration patterns.

The most prominent bearer of the name is Daniel K. Inouye (1924–2012), an American politician who served as a long-time United States Senator from Hawaii. He was a decorated World War II veteran and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. During his Senate career, Inouye was a key figure in Hawaiian and national politics and is widely recognized for his decades of public service.

Inouye's legacy extends beyond individuals to institutions named in his honor. The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu serves as a major aviation hub for Hawaii, reflecting the enduring public recognition of his contributions to the state and the nation.

See also: Inoue, a related surname and disambiguation term. The spelling Inouye, while a variant of Inoue, highlights the diversity of romanization practices for Japanese names in English-speaking contexts.