YOKOI

Yokoi

Yokoi is a Japanese surname that gained prominence as a result of World War II. It is associated with Shoichi Yokoi, a Japanese soldier who was stationed on the island of Guam during the war. Yokoi remained hidden in the jungle for 28 years after the war ended, unaware that the conflict had concluded. He was discovered in 1972 and repatriated to Japan, where he became a national celebrity due to his survival story.

Despite its Japanese origins, the surname Yokoi has sporadically appeared in British records, likely as a result of international migration and intercultural marriages. The surname reflects the rich tapestry of British society, which is characterised by diversity and multicultural influences. In a globalised world, surnames like Yokoi serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of different cultures and the shared histories that bind them together.