This kanji depicts a captured person bound in manacles, an ancient torture device. Therefore, this kanji came to mean ‘retribution’ or ‘punishment’ for a crime committed.
retribution（報）
happy(幸)
This kanji depicts manacles, an ancient torture device. Many people wonder why a symbol for manacles came to mean ‘happy’？ The center of the kanji shows the empty hole where a hand should be, symbolizing the good fortune of narrowly escaping torture.