kazu

Kazu is a Japanese given name and nickname that is widely used both in Japan and among Japanese communities abroad. It is typically a shortened form of names that begin with the syllable “Kazu” such as Kazuo, Kazuki, Kazuhiko, or Kazumi, and it is used informally for both genders, though it is more commonly associated with male names. The meaning of Kazu depends on the kanji chosen to write it, with various possible readings and associations such as harmony, peace, or number, among others.

Notable people known by the name or nickname Kazu include Kazu Makino, a Japanese-born American musician and a member of the band Blonde Redhead. Another well-known bearer is Kazuyoshi Miura, a Japanese footballer who is widely known by the nickname Kazu and has had a long professional career dating back to the 1980s. The use of Kazu as a nickname or given name extends to other artists, athletes, and public figures, reflecting its versatility and cultural familiarity in Japanese-speaking communities.

In fiction and popular media, Kazu appears as a character name in various anime, manga, and video games, illustrating its broad appeal as a concise, easily recognizable given name. The name’s popularity and flexible meanings contribute to its ongoing use across real and fictional contexts.