Konosuke

Konosuke is a masculine Japanese given name. In English texts it is often written as Konosuke, with an alternative romanization Kōnosuke that reflects a long vowel in Japanese. The name can be rendered with various kanji, and its meaning varies accordingly. Common spellings include 幸之介 (happiness/fortune + of + help) and 孝之介 (filial piety + of + help); other kanji combinations are possible, using elements such as 介 or 助 for the final syllable. Because of the multiple kanji options, Konosuke does not have a single fixed meaning beyond the positive attributes chosen by the parents.

Usage and style: Konosuke is a traditional, distinctly male name in Japan. It was relatively common in the early to mid-20th century and remains recognizable today, though it is less frequently given to newborns in modern times. The name may also appear among Japanese people living abroad.

Notable bearers: The most widely known person named Konosuke is Kōnosuke Matsushita (幸之助, 1894–1989), founder of Panasonic (formerly Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.). His leadership and business philosophy helped shape the development of mass-market consumer electronics in the 20th century.

Related names and variants: As a historical Japanese given name, Konosuke may appear in literature, biographies, and corporate histories. The form with macrons (Kōnosuke) is common in academic or formal references, while Konosuke is widely used in general texts and anglicized contexts.