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The character 労 evolved from ancient forms depicting physical exertion. In oracle bone script, it showed a person holding a tool under the sun, representing laborious work in fields. The Liushutong form L08327 shows the transitional structure with 力 (strength/force) component becoming prominent. The modern Japanese simplification 労 combines 艹 (plant/grass radical) with 力, symbolizing the effort of agricultural work - the foundation of ancient Chinese society. The character's core meaning of 'labor,' 'toil,' and 'fatigue' has remained consistent throughout its evolution. Arrived in Japan: The character arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE, primarily through the introduction of Chinese writing systems via Korean peninsula. It was systematically adopted during the Asuka period (538-710 CE) as part of the broader cultural transmission that included Buddhism and Chinese administrative practices.