How popular is the name "Sasuke" in Japan?

Only heard it from two places

• A sword in Final Fantasy 1. And is also related to FF14 lore (Though not played FF14, but this lore backstory is epic!)
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• Sasuke, the hero who freed people from a tyrant's reign, wielded blades like these. The ninja himself bore the blood of ancient heroes, and his own descendants bore the daggers for long generations after he passed away.
  Jalzahn describing the Sasuke's Blades in Final Fantasy XIV)
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• A character in Naruto

Its popularity is about 13. It used to be a solid 107, it dropped to 4 in the 80s but is hovering around 13 (as of writing this).

Ukigumo said:

Its popularity is about 13. It used to be a solid 107, it dropped to 4 in the 80s but is hovering around 13 (as of writing this).

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Awesome! Its a cool sounding name

In several decades of reading thru student lists here, probably 60-200 students per term, I can't recall any with that name.

The dog of one of our neighbours is called "Sasuke" - a Hokkaido-ken.

The name "Sasuke" is a traditional Japanese male given name. It has been used in Japan for many years and often appears in historical stories, literature, and popular culture.

The name became especially famous through the legendary ninja Sarutobi Sasuke, which gave it a strong image of bravery, agility, and adventure. Because of this, "Sasuke" is often associated with ninja characters or heroic warriors in fiction.

In modern times, the name is also internationally recognized through characters such as Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto.

Overall, "Sasuke" is a classic Japanese name with cultural and heroic associations.

Sarutobi Sasuke is best known as one of the Sanada Ten Braves, a group of heroic warriors said to have served Sanada Yukimura during the Sengoku period.

He is usually portrayed as a young ninja with exceptional agility, able to leap through trees and move like a monkey. In fact, the name "Sarutobi" means "monkey jump," reflecting his acrobatic skills.

Although widely known in stories, plays, manga, anime, and games, Sarutobi Sasuke is generally considered a fictional or semi-legendary character rather than a historically verified person. Today, he remains one of Japan's most iconic ninja figures.

The Sanada Ten Braves are a legendary group of ten ninja-like warriors said to have served Sanada Yukimura, a famous samurai commander of the late Sengoku era in Japan. They are not considered historically verified individuals, but fictional or semi-legendary characters created in later literature and popular storytelling.

The group became popular through novels, kabuki plays, and modern media. Famous members include Sarutobi Sasuke and Kirigakure Saizo. They are often portrayed as skilled fighters, spies, and masters of ninjutsu.

Today, the Sanada Ten Braves are an iconic part of Japanese folklore and pop culture, similar to heroic legends such as Robin Hood's companions or the Knights of the Round Table.

Sasuke is a classic Japanese manga created by Sanpei Shirato and first published in the 1960s. It is one of the most famous ninja-themed manga in Japan.
The story follows a young ninja boy named Sasuke who lives during Japan's feudal era. He faces harsh training, dangerous enemies, and the struggles of war and social injustice. Unlike many modern ninja stories, Sasuke is serious, realistic, and often political. It explores themes such as oppression, survival, and freedom.
The manga became especially well known through its anime adaptation, which introduced the character to a wider audience. Sasuke also helped shape the modern image of ninjas in Japanese popular culture.
Today, it is remembered as an important work in manga history and a major influence on later ninja stories.

When i was in high school. This was the first anime i watched, this one scene (Well i guess unless one counts Pokemon and Beyblade)
But this was the first thing to get myself invested into it. Some guy saw Naruto on his PC and i was like Wow that looks cool! Whats the name of this show?

I think if you have a kid named Sasuke, if you have another boy you kinda have to name him Naruto at that point LOL.

Kulern said:

When i was in high school. This was the first anime i watched, this one scene (Well i guess unless one counts Pokemon and Beyblade)
But this was the first thing to get myself invested into it. Some guy saw Naruto on his PC and i was like Wow that looks cool! Whats the name of this show?

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My first anime was Attack on Titan. Fantastic show.

I think the foreign cartoons I probably watched when I was a child were Woody Woodpecker and Tom and Jerry.

Konnichiwa Hiroyuki Nagashima-san!

Don't forget "チキチキマシン猛レース:Wacky Races!"


NANGI

I also liked Wacky Races. My favorite character was especially the dog, Muttley.

While researching Sasuke, I found that there is a place called Sasuke Inari Shrine in Kamakura, and it is said to have been founded more than 800 years ago.
[Explanation]
Sasuke Inari Shrine is a shrine with a very mystical atmosphere, featuring more than 40 vermilion torii gates and around 200 banners lined up in rows.
As you walk along the path, many people feel as if they have wandered into a hidden ninja village.
The exact date of its founding is unclear, but it is said that Minamoto no Yoritomo, who established the Kamakura Shogunate, rebuilt it during the Kenkyū era, more than 800 years ago.
Five deities are enshrined there, and the main deity is Uka-no-Mitama-no-Mikoto.
This deity is believed to have inspired Yoritomo to raise his banner against the Taira clan.
Surrounded by countless fox statues deep in the forest, visitors can immerse themselves in this extraordinary space and recharge their spirit and energy for tomorrow.

Sasuke Inari Shrine is called "Sasuke" because of a legend connected to Minamoto no Yoritomo.
Before Yoritomo rose against the Taira clan, it is said that an old man appeared to him in a dream. The old man was believed to be an Inari deity deity, who encouraged him to begin his rebellion.
The name "Sasuke Inari" is said to come from the fact that the deity helped Yoritomo, who was known by the title Hyōe no Suke (an official court rank) and was therefore also called Suke-dono. Because the god assisted "Suke-dono," the shrine came to be known as Sasuke Inari Shrine.
In short, the name "Sasuke" reflects the legend that the Inari deity supported Yoritomo in his rise to power.

thomas said:

The dog of one of our neighbours is called "Sasuke" - a Hokkaido-ken.

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We named the dog Indiana

salyavin said:

We named the dog Indy

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He loved that dog!