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The character 慕 (mù) originally depicted a heart (心) beneath a field or plant (莫), conveying the meaning of yearning or admiration that grows from deep within. In ancient China, 莫 originally represented the sunset, suggesting something disappearing from view, which combined with 'heart' created the sense of longing for what is absent. Over time, 慕 evolved to specifically mean admiration, affection, or yearning - particularly the deep emotional attachment one feels toward someone or something cherished but not immediately present. This character beautifully captures how human emotions can persist and grow even when the object of affection is distant. Arrived in Japan: The character 慕 likely arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE, when the Japanese writing system was being developed and Chinese characters (kanji) were systematically imported along with Buddhist texts and Chinese classical literature. It appears in early Japanese literary works and was incorporated into the Japanese language with similar meanings of admiration, yearning, and affectionate longing.