Watanabe (渡辺 "crossing area") is the fifth most common Japanese surname. The name derives from the location and occupation of people that operated ferries.

People named Watanabe:

• Chuck Watanabe (kayaker)
• Gedde Watanabe (A.K.A. Gary Watanabe, actor)
• Jiro Watanabe (boxer)
• José Watanabe (Peruvian poet)
• Kazumi Watanabe (musician)
• Kazuo Watanabe (astronomer)
• Ken Watanabe (actor)
• Ken Watanabe (astrophysicist)
• Kumiko Watanabe (voice actor)
• Michio Watanabe (politician)
• Miho Watanabe (entertainer)
• Misato Watanabe (musician)
• Shinichiro Watanabe (director and writer of Cowboy Bebop anime)
• Watanabe On (author)
• Watanabe Yoshinori (alleged yakuza)
• Yoko Watanabe (operatic soprano)

See also

• Japanese name