Asami is a feminine Japanese given name that can also be used as a surname. The name is written with various kanji combinations, most commonly with 麻 (asa) meaning "hemp" and 美 (mi) meaning "beautiful", thus conveying the meaning "beautiful hemp". Other combinations include 朝美 ("morning beauty") and 朝海 ("morning sea"), as well as purely phonetic renderings in hiragana or katakana. Etymology and Writing The first element asa (from 麻) refers to the hemp plant, valued historically in Japan for its fiber and symbolism of purity. The second element mi (美) is a common component in feminine names, denoting beauty. In naming practice, kanji such as 海 (sea) also appear when the reading mi is chosen from a different kanji character. When Asami is used as a surname, it is typically written as 浅見 ("shallow look") or 浅海 ("shallow sea"), reflecting a separate etymology tied to geographical features. Notable Bearers Asami Abe (born 1985), Japanese singer Asami Imai (born 1977), voice actress Asami Kimura (born 1984), pop singer The name also appears in fiction, notably as Asami Sato from the animated series The Legend of Korra. Cultural Significance Asami exemplifies the common Japanese practice of creating names by combining kanji with auspicious meanings. The variant Mami shares the -mi suffix but uses a different first element. Meaning: "beautiful hemp" (common combination) Origin: Japanese Type: Feminine given name, also used as surname Usage regions: Japan