Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 司 originated in ancient China as a pictograph representing a person with an open mouth giving commands or instructions. In oracle bone script, it depicted a hand raised near a mouth, symbolizing the act of directing or governing. The character evolved through bronze script to its modern form, consistently maintaining its core meaning of 'to control,' 'to manage,' or 'to be in charge.' It came to represent officials and government departments, as seen in words like 司令 (commanding officer) and 司法 (judicial). The character reflects the ancient concept of authority through verbal command and administration. Arrived in Japan: The character 司 arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE, primarily through the introduction of Chinese writing systems and Buddhist texts via Korean peninsula. It became established in Japan's writing system during the Asuka period (538-710 CE) when Japan systematically adopted Chinese characters (kanji) for official records and Buddhist scriptures.