Can you read this? The rare surname "伊勢亀" is not pronounced "Iseki".Can you read this? The rare surname "伊勢亀" is not pronounced "Iseki".

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Learn unusual surnames

2026.5.7

Can you read this? The rare surname "伊勢亀" is not pronounced "Iseki".

Ise-kame is a rare surname found mainly in Niigata and Fukushima prefectures. It is known as a surname rich in history and narrative, encompassing ancient Japanese beliefs and the history of samurai families.













A key characteristic of this surname is that it is said to have originated from the convergence of two prestigious lineages. According to tradition, at the end of the Heian period, descendants of Ise Saburo and Kamei Rokuro, known as retainers of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, became related over time and combined their names to form the surname "Ise Kame."











Furthermore, this surname has a deep connection to the Ise Grand Shrine faith. "Ise" has held special significance since ancient times as a word indicating a sacred place, and "turtle" has been revered as an auspicious creature symbolizing longevity, prosperity, and stability. In other words, the name "Ise-kame" combines symbols of faith and happiness.













"Isegame" is an extremely rare surname throughout Japan, and it can be pronounced in several ways, including "Isegame" and "Isekame."















Isegame

 

 

"Isegame" is a surname pronounced "Isegame." It is mainly found in Fukushima Prefecture, but is also distributed in eastern Japan, including Niigata and Gunma Prefectures, with an estimated population of around 400 people. It is one of the rarest surnames in Japan.















What is “knowing unusual surnames”?
It is said that there are approximately 30 Japanese surnames, including different readings. We will introduce some of the most unusual surnames, their pronunciations and origins, as well as areas where they still exist in large numbers.

 

 











Reference books: Difficult to read surname dictionary by Masanori Shindo, Shonansha, 47 prefectures and surname encyclopedia, by Hiroshi Morioka, Maruzen Publishing

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