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The character 牙 (yá) originally depicted interlocking animal fangs or tusks, representing the concept of 'fangs,' 'tusk,' or 'ivory.' In ancient oracle bone script, it showed two opposing pointed teeth fitting together. Over time, the character evolved through bronze script and seal script into its modern form. Unlike 齿 (tooth), which refers to front teeth, 牙 specifically denotes the larger, pointed molars or fangs of animals. The character's meaning extended to include 'ivory' (as material from elephant tusks) and by association, things that are tooth-like or interlocking, such as gears. Arrived in Japan: The character 牙 was likely introduced to Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE along with other Chinese characters through cultural exchange with China and Korea. It appears in early Japanese texts like the Manyoshu (8th century) and was incorporated into the Japanese writing system as a kanji, read as 'ge' in on'yomi (Chinese reading) and 'kiba' in kun'yomi (Japanese reading).