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The character 篤 (dǔ) originally depicted a horse's steady, heavy gait, composed of 竹 (bamboo) and 馬 (horse). In ancient China, bamboo represented something firm and upright, while the horse symbolized strength and stability. Over time, its meaning evolved from physical steadiness to abstract virtues - sincerity, deep commitment, and genuine earnestness. It came to describe someone with profound dedication to principles or compassionate care for others, embodying the Confucian ideal of sincere moral character. Arrived in Japan: The character 篤 arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing system (kanji) through Buddhist texts and Confucian classics. It was formally adopted into the Japanese writing system and appears in early Japanese literary works like the Manyoshu (8th century), though its use became more established during the Heian period (794-1185) as Chinese literary culture deeply influenced Japanese aristocracy.