Jiro Tanaka
Musician
1984
Drummer for the Japanese rock band GLAY, one of Japan's best-selling bands
"bright, clear second child"
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“A timeless Japanese classic meaning the second, beloved son”
Jiro is a classic Japanese masculine name made up of two kanji: ji (second, next) and ro (son, bright, clear). The -ro suffix is one of the most traditional elements in Japanese male names, also seen in names like Taro (first son), Saburo (third son), and Shiro (fourth son). This naming tradition of numbering sons reflects the historical Japanese emphasis on birth order and family succession.
Jiro has been a common name in Japan for centuries and remains in use today, though the tradition of birth-order names has softened in modern Japan. The name gained global recognition through Jiro Ono, the legendary sushi master featured in the 2011 documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi.
In traditional Japanese culture, naming sons by birth order (Taro, Jiro, Saburo) was a practical and meaningful tradition. The second son (Jiro) was expected to support the eldest, and this name carries an implicit sense of dependability and quiet strength.
Musician
1984
Drummer for the Japanese rock band GLAY, one of Japan's best-selling bands
Other
1925
World-renowned Japanese sushi master featured in the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi; earned 3 Michelin stars for his Tokyo restaurant
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