The Japanese surname Kusunoki can be pronounced in two ways. The most common pronunciation is “koo-suh-noh-kee”, with the stress on the second syllable. Another acceptable pronunciation is “koo-soo-noh-kee”, with the stress on the first syllable.
The Kusunoki clan was a prominent samurai family that played a major role in Japanese history. The most famous member of the clan was Kusunoki Masashige, a loyal retainer of Emperor Go-Daigo. Masashige fought valiantly against the Ashikaga shogunate and became a symbol of resistance to tyranny.
