Nakano (written: 中野) is a Japanese surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Ayako Nakano, ballerina
Chikayo Nakano, voice actress
Daisuke Nakano, retired gymnast and olympic gold medalist in artistic all-around
Eiji Nakano, film actor (1904–1990)
George Nakano, retired American politician
Hidemitsu Nakano, army general (1890–1982)
Hiroko Nakano, politician and member of the Japanese House of Representatives
Hiroyuki Nakano, film director
Junya Nakano, video game composer
Kansei Nakano, politician and Vice-Speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives
Keiko Nakano, golfer and former professional wrestler as Bull Nakano
Koichi Nakano, retired cyclist
Kiyoshi Nakano, politician and member of the Japanese House of Representatives
Kōji Nakano, novelist, German translator and literary critic (1925–2004)
Kumiko Nakano, actress
Mari Nakano, Japanese member of the World Scout Committee
Masashi Nakano, politician and member of the Japanese House of Representatives
Midori Nakano, magazine columnist
Seigō Nakano, fascist politician (1886–1943)
Shinji Nakano, auto racer
Shinya Nakano, retired motorcycle racer
Syuichi Nakano, astronomer
Teruyoshi Nakano, special effects director
Tsutomu Nakano, retired freestyle swimmer
Yoshio Nakano, professional poker player
Yukari Nakano, retired figure skater
Yusuke Nakano, artist
Nakano Takeko, female warrior (1847–1868)
Fictional characters:
Hiroshi Nakano, from the shōnen-ai manga Gravitation
Azusa "Azu-nyan" Nakano, from the Japanese manga and anime K-On!
