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The character 由 (yóu) originates from ancient Chinese pictographs, with its earliest forms in oracle bone script depicting a container or a sprouting plant. It evolved through bronze script and seal script into its modern form. The core meaning is 'reason,' 'cause,' or 'origin,' and it extends to signify 'from' or 'through.' In the Liushutong (六书通), L11560 represents a historical variant that closely resembles the modern 由, showing the character's stability over time. It is often used in compound words to express derivation or basis, such as 理由 (reason) and 由于 (due to). Arrived in Japan: The character 由 arrived in Japan during the early centuries CE, likely between the 5th and 6th centuries, as part of the introduction of Chinese writing systems through cultural exchanges, including the importation of Confucian texts and Buddhist scriptures. It was adopted into the Japanese language as a kanji, retaining similar meanings related to cause or origin.