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The character 綿 (cotton) evolved from ancient pictographs depicting silk or floss. In Liushutong, the closest form shows the radical 糸 (silk/thread) combined with elements representing white, fluffy material. Originally referring to silk floss, the character's meaning expanded when cotton was introduced to China, becoming the standard for 'cotton' due to its similar fibrous, fluffy nature. The character embodies the concept of soft, continuous fibers used for textiles. Arrived in Japan: The character 綿 likely arrived in Japan during the Yayoi period (300 BCE - 300 CE) or early Kofun period (300-538 CE) through cultural exchange with China, possibly via Korean peninsula. It became established in Japanese writing system by the Heian period (794-1185) when kanji usage was systematized.