Japanese Names

← Japanese Names

修一
Shuichi
しゅういち

Meaning

Disciplined first

Writing

Kanji: 修一  · Hiragana: しゅういち  · Romaji: Shuichi

Gender

Male name

Rank

#199 most popular given name in Japan

Era group

This entry is placed in the classical group — names this site groups with the Meiji era and earlier.

Element

This site files this name under abstract.

Related Names

Where this page’s information comes from

  • Kanji, readings and meanings on this page come from this site’s own dataset, compiled 23 August 2026. They are not taken from an official register.
  • Ranking figures carry no published source and no reference date. Where our records disagreed, the number is withheld and the entry is marked under review.
  • The groupings on this site — era group, theme, and the cute / cool / traditional tags — are this site’s own grouping, not an official designation.
  • We have not yet checked these entries against an official list. Corrections are welcome through our Contact page and are checked before anything is changed.

A field left blank, or marked under review, means we have not yet confirmed it against a source — it does not mean the name lacks that attribute. Corrections are welcome through our Contact page.

Shuichi is a Japanese masculine given name written with the kanji 修一, which combines the characters for discipline or refinement (修) and first or primary (一). This classical-era name ranks at position 199 among Japanese given names and represents the naming tradition that emphasizes virtues and personal qualities rather than natural elements. Shuichi carries an aspirational quality, suggesting that the bearer should embody refinement, self-improvement, and leadership. The name reflects the classical Japanese cultural values that prioritized moral development, education, and the cultivation of character throughout one's life.

The use of compound names with virtue-based kanji became increasingly prevalent during the classical period of Japan as naming conventions shifted from simple nature-based names to more complex characters expressing desired qualities. The numbering element 一 (first or one) frequently appeared in classical male names, sometimes indicating birth order or expressing the hope that the child would be first in achievement or virtue. During the feudal and later historical periods, names like Shuichi became common among the educated classes and samurai families who valued discipline and moral excellence. The name's popularity persisted through modern eras, adapting to contemporary usage while maintaining its classical foundations and virtuous connotations.

Shuichi is distinguished by its dual-kanji structure that conveys both process and position. The character 修 encompasses meanings related to self-cultivation, study, and the refinement of one's character through discipline and effort. The addition of 一 creates a sense of primacy or singularity, potentially indicating the first son or expressing the aspiration for the child to achieve prominence. This combination creates a name with substantial depth and philosophical resonance, reflecting classical values of self-improvement and excellence. The name's structure and meaning demonstrate the sophistication of Japanese naming traditions during the classical era.

Shuichi enjoys significant recognition within Japan and among those studying Japanese cultural history and naming practices. The name appears frequently in historical records, literature, and genealogical documents from various periods. Contemporary families continue to choose this name for boys, maintaining its cultural connection while adapting it to modern contexts. The name has appeared in Japanese media and remains accessible to international learners studying authentic Japanese masculine names and classical naming traditions.