Kanai (written: , ) is a Japanese surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Gibson Kanai, Palauan politician , Japanese javelin thrower Hiroyuki Kanai, Japanese philatelist Katsu Kanai, Japanese film director Kikuko Kanai (1911–1986), Japanese composer , Japanese shogi player Kiyotaka Kanai, astronomer Lincoln Kanai, Japanese-American activist Mieko Kanai, fiction writer , voice actress, also known as Mika Yamadera Mitsunari Kanai, aikido teacher Norishige Kanai, Japanese astronaut , Japanese businessman , Japanese footballer , Japanese hurdler Vicky Kanai, Palauan politician Yuta Kanai, actor Yutaka Kanai (1959–1990), Japanese long-distance runner
Fictional characters Izumi Kanai, a character in the film Battle Royale Kamon Kanai, antagonist in Yakuza 5