Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 世 originally depicted three connected lines or leaves, representing 'thirty years' (as three tens connected) - a generation. In oracle bone script, it showed plants growing from the ground, symbolizing continuity and succession. Over time, it evolved through bronze script and seal script into its modern form, maintaining the meaning of 'world', 'generation', or 'era' - concepts of temporal continuity and the passing of ages. Arrived in Japan: The character 世 arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE, primarily through the introduction of Chinese writing systems and Buddhist texts. It was adopted into Japanese as 'yo' (world/age) or 'sei' (generation), becoming part of the Japanese writing system during the Asuka and Nara periods when Chinese cultural influence was particularly strong.