Satou

Satou is a common Japanese surname. It is the second most common surname in Japan, following Suzuki. The kanji used for Satou can vary, but the most prevalent form is 佐藤. This character combination often translates to "help" or "assist" (佐) and "wisteria" (藤). The prevalence of the wisteria flower in Japanese culture likely contributed to its common usage as a family name. Historically, many samurai families adopted the surname, contributing to its widespread distribution. The name is found across all regions of Japan and is carried by a significant portion of the Japanese population. Notable individuals with the surname Satou span various fields, including sports, entertainment, and politics, further contributing to its recognition.