Kishibe

Kishibe is a Japanese name used both as a surname and as a geographic place name. The reading Kishibe can be derived from different kanji combinations, and the exact meaning varies by character form. As a surname, Kishibe is borne by several people in Japan across various fields, though it is not among the most common names.

As a place name, Kishibe identifies multiple locations in Japan, appearing as neighborhood districts or former towns within different municipalities. The specific location, administrative status, and historical changes depend on the prefecture and era, and there is no single Kishibe that defines the term.

In popular culture, Kishibe is the name of a fictional character in the manga and anime series Chainsaw Man. The character is a veteran devil hunter who serves as a mentor figure to younger protagonists.

The term Kishibe thus functions as a shared toponym and surname in Japan and also appears in modern fiction, illustrating how a single reading can cover several distinct references.