calendar(暦)

At the top of this kanji, you can see plants being stored under a roof for food. Below that is a ‘foot’ symbol, which means ‘to walk.’ Together, these parts show humans storing food for the coming season, which gives the kanji its meaning: calendar or history/record.

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compete(競)

This figure perfectly mirrors the intense energy of the last one! Inside this character, you can find two persons standing face-to-face, matching each other blow for blow. Yes, they are now fighting with everything they have! This is why this striking, symmetrical kanji means ‘COMPETE’ or ‘RIVALRY’ in Japanese.

core(核)

On the left side of this kanji, you can find a TREE, and on the right, the BONE of an ANIMAL oriented heading up. Together, they represent the absolute center of life: the core of a plant and the core of an animal. This is why this powerful character means ‘CORE’ or ‘NUCLEUS’ in Japanese.

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celebrate(祝)

This figure is composed of two parts. On the left, we can find a sacred idol or offering placed on a tall-legged altar. On the right, there is someone bending their hands and knees, bowing deeply to this divine presence. This sacred picture symbolizes a ceremony expressing one’s deep gratitude to God, which is why this kanji means ‘CELEBRATE’ in one word

color(彩)

In the world of kanji, a spectacular FIREWORK serves as the ultimate symbol for coloring something beautifully. Just like a firework splashing vibrant light across the night sky, this character perfectly captures the essence of painting and splashing color into life!

change(化)

On the left side of this character, you can see a MAN standing normally. On the right, there is a MAN jumping or flipped upside down! Combining these two dynamic motions, this kanji perfectly represents ‘changing the situation’—or ‘CHANGE’ itself.