Masato is a unisex Japanese given name. It is composed of two kanji characters, 正 (masa) meaning "correct" or "right", and 仁 (tō) meaning "compassion" or "kindness". Therefore, Masato can be interpreted as "correct kindness" or "right compassion". This name has been used for both males and females in Japan, but it is more commonly given to boys. The name gained some international recognition through Masato Shichida, a Japanese chess player who won the World Chess Championship in 1979 at the age of 20.
The name Masato has experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years. Between 1912 and 1936, there were consistent birth registrations ranging from a low of 5 to a high of 25 per year. After a gap of nearly six decades, it resurfaced in 1984 with 5 births. Since then, its popularity has varied, peaking at 10 births in recent years (2002-2020), but never reaching the heights seen in the early 20th century. In total, there have been 462 Masatos born over the span of these years.