Sakurai (written: 桜井 or 櫻井 lit. "well of the Cherry blossom") is a Japanese surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Atsushi Sakurai (born 1966), vocalist for the band Buck-Tick
Hayato Sakurai (born 1975), mixed martial arts fighter
J. J. Sakurai (1933–1982), physicist
Kazutoshi Sakurai (born 1970), musician
Masahiro Sakurai (born 1970), game designer
Masaru Sakurai (born 1955), singer for The Alfee
Makoto Sakurai (born 1972), right-wing activist
Sho Sakurai (born 1982), singer, actor
Takahiro Sakurai (born 1974), voice actor
Tokutaro Sakurai, (1897-1980), general, Imperial Japanese Army
Yoshiko Sakurai (born 1945), journalist
Fictional characters:
Kanade Sakurai, one of the main characters in the anime/manga Candy Boy
Shizuku Sakurai, one of the supporting characters in the anime/manga Candy Boy
Yukino Sakurai, another one of the main characters in the anime/manga Candy Boy
Yuuto Sakurai, one of the supporting characters in the television series Kamen Rider Den-O
Rihoko Sakurai, one of the 6 lead females of the anime and manga Amagami SS
Tomoki Sakurai, main character of Heaven's Lost Property
Kouichi Sakurai, one of the main 'prince' of otome game Tokimeki Memorial Girl's Side: 3rd Story