hisashi

Hisashi is a masculine Japanese given name. The meaning depends on the kanji characters used to write it; there is no single canonical meaning. Commonly, the name is associated with notions such as longevity or duration when written with certain kanji, but many other kanji combinations are possible.

Usage and background: The name has been in use since at least the early modern period and was especially popular in the mid- to late-20th century. It remains in use today, though it is less common among younger generations than in the past.

Notable people: Notable individuals bearing the given name include Hisashi Ouchi (1956–1999), a Japanese technician involved in the Tokai-mura nuclear accident; his case is widely cited in discussions of radiation safety and nuclear safety. The name is found among various professionals in Japan, including athletes, scholars, and artists, though these individuals may be less widely known outside Japan.

Variations and related names: The name can be written with a variety of kanji, and is romanized as Hisashi. A related surname, Hisaishi (久石), is phonetically similar but represents a different name; Joe Hisaishi is a well-known composer whose surname is read Hisaishi, not Hisashi.