In Japanese culture, names represent not only personal identity but also the lineage of a family. Japanese names consist of two parts: the surname, which signifies the family, and the given name, which represents the individual. The surname symbolizes the heritage passed down through generations, while the given name signifies personal uniqueness.

Historically, surnames were granted by the imperial family and represented nobility and esteem; commoners were not allowed to have surnames. It wasn't until the Edo period, when household registration became necessary, that commoners could adopt surnames. In many films, names carry meanings beyond mere identity. Today, let's discuss two Japanese animators, Hayao Miyazaki and Makoto Shinkai, and the significance they attribute to names in their respective films, "Spirited Away" and "Your Name".