Ozaki

Ozaki is a Japanese surname and, less commonly, a place name. The most common spelling in kanji is 尾崎, which combines 尾 meaning "tail" and 崎 meaning "promontory" or "cape." The name is widely used across Japan and can be found in various regions, reflecting its status as a traditional toponymic and family name.

Notable people with the surname include Ozaki Koyo (尾崎紅葉), a Meiji-era writer known for his influential early modern fiction, and Ozaki Yutaka (尾崎豊), a popular rock musician and singer-songwriter in the late 20th century. Other individuals with the name have contributed in fields such as politics, scholarship, and sports, illustrating the name’s broad presence in Japanese public life.

As a place name, Ozaki appears in multiple geographic contexts in Japan. It can denote municipalities, districts, or geographic features that historically carried the same kanji combination. Because Japanese place names often share kanji across regions, the exact location associated with a particular Ozaki can vary, and contemporary administrative changes have led to mergers or renaming in some cases.

In summary, Ozaki is a common Japanese surname linked to historical and contemporary figures, and it also serves as a toponym in various locales. The name is recognized within Japanese culture and beyond through its bearers in literature, music, and public life.