

This kanji represents food served in a covered bowl. Consequently, it carries the meanings of both ‘eat’ as a verb and ‘food’ as a noun.


This kanji represents food served in a covered bowl. Consequently, it carries the meanings of both ‘eat’ as a verb and ‘food’ as a noun.


This shape symbolizes a specific part of the human face—the eye itself.


This kanji is a brilliant, direct map of frustration! Inside this figure, you can clearly find a living TREE trapped inside a tight, square fence. This powerful imagery symbolizes a situation where there is total prevention for its growing. Just as you see, being boxed in and unable to expand is exactly why this character means ‘EMBARRASSED,’ ‘TROUBLED,’ or ‘STUCK’ in Japanese.


This kanji describes a man who has started to dance with joy, so the character itself means ‘ENJOY’ or ‘FUN.’ When you combine this kanji with another character meaning ‘SOUND,’ it forms a new word—’MUSIC’ (On-gaku)!


This kanji is composed of two symbolic elements. On the left, you can see the character for ‘FANG’ (or ivory), which represents strength and correctness. On the right, there is a ‘BIRD.’ Together, they create a beautiful harmony of power and grace, which is why this kanji means ‘REFINED,’ ‘ELEGANT,’ or ‘GRACEFUL’ in Japanese.