Shimizu

Shimizu (清水) is a Japanese name that can refer to a surname as well as several geographic and organizational uses. The kanji 清水 literally mean “clear water” or “pure water.”

In geography, Shimizu most notably referred to a city in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, until it merged into the city of Shizuoka in 2003 as part of municipal consolidations. The former city was known for its major port on Suruga Bay, which supports fishing, trade, and tourism in the region. Today, the area remains an identifiable district within Shizuoka City and continues to be associated with port activities and coastal communities.

As a surname, Shimizu is common in Japan and is written with the same characters as the place name. It is borne by many families across the country and appears in various professional and public contexts.

Shimizu Corporation is a prominent Japanese construction and engineering firm that operates in architecture, civil engineering, and general contracting both domestically and internationally.

Shimizu S-Pulse is a professional football club based in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, which competes in Japan’s J.League system.

The name also appears in other contexts; for example, the same kanji can be read as Kiyomizu in place and temple names, such as the well-known Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto (清水寺).