Nakatomi

Nakatomi is a Japanese surname that is also used, in popular culture, as the name of a fictional corporate entity. The name is typically composed of Japanese elements that are often interpreted as meanings related to “middle” (naka) and “wealth” or “prosperity” (tomi), though the exact kanji can vary. In real life, Nakatomi is borne by individuals in Japan and among the Japanese diaspora, though it is not among the most common surnames.

The most prominent use of the name in fiction is the Nakatomi Corporation, a multinational company depicted in the Die Hard film series. In the 1988 film Die Hard, the corporation is headquartered at Nakatomi Plaza, a fictional 30-story skyscraper in Los Angeles. The plot centers on a coordinated assault during a Christmas party at the building, with the protagonist attempting to thwart the attackers and protect hostages.

Beyond Die Hard, Nakatomi has appeared in various media as a stand‑in for a powerful, Japan-connected corporate entity, or simply as a surname for fictional characters. The association with Nakatomi Plaza in the Die Hard franchise has made the name widely recognizable to audiences and has led to references and parodies in popular culture. As a real-world surname, Nakatomi remains relatively uncommon but is a recognized part of Japanese naming conventions.