Yusuke

Yusuke is a masculine Japanese given name used by many individuals in Japan and among Japanese communities abroad. The name can be written with a variety of kanji, and the meaning changes with the characters chosen. Common spellings in kanji include 祐介, 勇介, 優介, 悠介, 由介, and 友介, among others. Because different kanji convey different ideas, Yusuke may be interpreted as meanings related to help or protection, courage, kindness, distance or eternity, reason, or friendship, depending on the characters selected. In romanization, the common forms are Yusuke and Yūsuke, with the macron indicating a long vowel.

Real people with the given name Yusuke include figures in film, sports, and the arts, among others. A widely recognized bearer is the actor Yūsuke Iseya (伊勢谷友介), who has appeared in various Japanese films and television works. The name is also used by many others across different professions, reflecting its status as a common given name in Japan.

In popular culture, Yusuke appears as several notable fictional characters. Yusuke Urameshi is the life-long protagonist of the manga and anime Yu Yu Hakusho. Yusuke Kitagawa is a prominent character in the video game Persona 5. Yusuke Godai is the civilian name of the hero in the television series Kamen Rider Kuuga. These characters illustrate the name’s frequent appearance in Japanese media across different genres.

The name Yusuke remains a common and versatile choice in Japan, with usage spanning traditional and contemporary contexts. The specific meaning and impression of the name are shaped by the kanji chosen by the family.