Nakai

Nakai is a Japanese name used as both a surname and a place name. The surname is written in different kanji forms, most commonly 中井 and 中居, among others. Each form has its own nuance and regional usage, but all are read as nakai in Japanese.

As a surname, Nakai is found throughout Japan and among Japanese communities abroad. People with the name appear in many fields, including sports, arts, academia, and business.

As a place name, Nakai appears in various toponyms across Japan, where it may denote geographical features such as a central location or a well, depending on the kanji used. It also occurs in the names of districts, neighborhoods, and smaller administrative areas.

In popular culture and media, Nakai is used as a surname for fictional characters and as part of company names or brands. Because the term can refer to multiple people, places, or entities, clarification is often required to determine the intended reference.