Namihei

Namihei is a traditionally masculine Japanese given name. The name is typically composed of kanji that convey the meanings "wave" (波) and either "peace" (平) or "soldier" (兵). Combined, the kanji can be read as Namihei, meaning “wave‑peace” or “wave‑soldier,” reflecting a youthful, energetic image.

The name reached a peak of popularity during the late Meiji era, when parents often chose names that evoked natural phenomena. By the post‑war period it fell out of common usage, though it can still be found in older records and historical fiction. Because the kanji combination is relatively uncommon, few notable contemporary figures bear it.

Among historical figures who carried the name are Namihei Tokuyama, a pioneer of Japanese radio engineering born in 1884. Tokuyama established the first experimental radio station in Osaka and was instrumental in spreading wireless technology throughout the country. Another is Namihei Uchida (1925–2001), a composer best known for his hymns that blend traditional Japanese instrumentation with Western harmonies; Uchida’s works received several national honors.

In folklore, the name Namihei appears in a number of Seto Inland Sea tales, where a heroic sailor named Namihei is said to have steered his vessel through a fierce storm, symbolizing perseverance. The name also features in a mid‑20th‑century Japanese play titled The Wave Hero, in which the protagonist adopts the name to signify his resolve.

The name Namihei continues to be studied in academic works on Japanese onomastics, such as “Japanese Names: A Comprehensive Guide” by T. Nakamura. While rare today, it remains a small but meaningful part of Japan’s naming heritage.