Misaki

Misaki is a Japanese term that functions primarily as a given name but also appears in geographic names and cultural contexts. It is used for both genders, though in contemporary Japan it is more commonly given to girls.

Etymology and writings: The base word misaki is often written with the kanji 岬, meaning cape or promontory. As a personal name, Misaki can be written with various kanji combinations, yielding different meanings. Common alternatives include 美咲 (beautiful bloom), 未咲, 実咲, or other spellings, and some uses employ kana (ひらがな or カタカナ) without specific kanji. The same reading—Misaki—can thus correspond to multiple written forms.

Geographic usage: Misaki appears in several place names across Japan, typically in coastal areas where a geographic cape or promontory is present. In toponymy, the term signals a feature associated with headlands or promontories, and it is found in district, neighborhood, or locality names within various prefectures.

People and culture: As a given name, Misaki is part of modern Japanese naming trends and is used for both females and males, depending on the kanji chosen by the family. In fiction and media, characters named Misaki are common in anime, manga, and novels, reflecting the name’s pleasant sound and flexible written forms. The name’s associations with coastlines and natural beauty contribute to its contemporary appeal.

See also: 岬, the kanji meaning cape or promontory; Misaki as a place name in Japan.