Tsunoda (角田) is a Japanese surname. It is composed of the elements tsuno (角) meaning "point, corner" or "antler" and ta (田) meaning "field, rice paddy", literally translating to "antler field". The name likely originated as a toponymic surname, referring to a geographic feature of a field shaped like an antler or corner. Etymology and History The surname Tsunoda follows the common pattern of Japanese surnames that combine a geographic element with ta (rice paddy), reflecting the agricultural roots of many Japanese families. The tsuno element can also refer to a horn or angle, suggesting that the name might have described a field located at a corner or a bend. Notable Bearers Several notable individuals bear the surname Tsunoda across various fields. In sports, Yuki Tsunoda (born 2000) is a Japanese racing driver currently competing in Formula One for the RB team. Historical figures include Fusako Tsunoda (1914–2010), a Japanese writer, and Kazuo Tsunoda (1918–2013), a fighter pilot during World War II. On the academic side, Ryūsaku Tsunoda (1877–1964) was a noted Japanologist who contributed to the study of Japanese culture and philosophy. In popular culture, the name appears as a character in the manga The Strange Tale of Panorama Island and as an anthropomorphic gazelle in the anime Aggretsuko. Cultural Significance As with many Japanese surnames, Tsunoda is deeply connected to the land and nature. The antler imagery (角) evokes a sense of strength and direction, while the field (田) ties the name to the rice farming that sustained historical Japanese society. The name remains relatively common in Japan and has spread internationally through diaspora and media exposure. Meaning: "antler field" or "corner field" Origin: Japanese Type: Surname Usage Regions: Japan, also found in Japanese diaspora