Masaki

Masaki is a Japanese given name whose meaning depends on the kanji characters chosen by the family. The most common combination uses 'masa' written as (正), meaning correct, righteous, or upright, and 'ki' as (樹) or (木), meaning tree. Together this gives the sense of an upright, flourishing tree. Alternative kanji combinations include 'masa' as (雅), meaning elegant, with 'ki' as (輝), meaning radiance, giving a more luminous reading. The name has been in use in Japan for centuries across varying kanji combinations.

In Japanese naming culture, a name's kanji are chosen with great care, and Masaki's most common meanings, upright tree and elegant radiance, are highly regarded. Trees in Japanese culture symbolise endurance, rootedness, and natural beauty. The name appears in literature, film, and contemporary Japanese media, carried by respected actors, directors, and public figures. In Japan, Masaki is considered a solid, established masculine name without being old-fashioned. Outside Japan it is gaining modest recognition as Japanese cultural exports, including anime and film, familiarise wider audiences with Japanese names.