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The character 己 originally depicted a coiled thread or rope on a loom, representing the self or personal identity. In ancient Chinese philosophy, it evolved to mean 'self' or 'oneself,' appearing in Confucian texts discussing self-cultivation. The character simplified over time from a more complex coiled form to its current three-stroke structure, maintaining its core meaning of personal identity while losing its concrete pictorial origins. Arrived in Japan: The character 己 arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE along with the introduction of Chinese writing system (kanji) through cultural exchange with Korea and China. It was formally incorporated into the Japanese writing system during the Asuka and Nara periods as part of the broader adoption of Chinese characters for writing Japanese.