Kanji & Engraving Meanings

Many Destiny Forever bracelets have a center stone engraved in gold with Japanese kanji or a symbol. Each one comes from Enson Inoue's life as a fighter and the values he lives by, and every bracelet is designed and handmade by Enson.

大和魂 – Yamatodamashii, "the Samurai Spirit"

大和 (Yamato) is an old name for Japan and its people. 魂 (tamashii, read "damashii" here) means soul or spirit. Together, 大和魂 means the Japanese spirit, often translated as "the Samurai Spirit".

Yamatodamashii became synonymous with Enson Inoue. Japanese fans and media gave him the name for the way he carried himself inside and outside the ring: never quitting, giving everything until the very end. Over time it became his philosophy and way of life, built on integrity, honor, compassion and loyalty.

"People compare it to bravery, but it's different from that. A brave man fears nothing, but a man of Yamatodamashii spirit feels fear, accepts it and persists in moving on in what he knows he must do." – Enson Inoue

You'll find 大和魂 engraved on center stones such as black onyx, tiger's eye, hematite, amethyst, smoky quartz and crystal quartz, in bracelets like the Samurai, Shogun, Yamatodamashii Stealth and Tiger Mountain. Read more on our Yamatodamashii page.

More kanji

柔術 – Jūjutsu (Jiu-Jitsu)

柔 (jū) means gentle or flexible, and 術 (jutsu) means art or technique: "the gentle art". Engraved on the center stone of our Jiu-Jitsu belt series, so practitioners can carry their art and their rank on their wrist.

統一 – Tōitsu (Unity)

Bringing things together as one. For teams, families and anyone who stands with others.

一族 – Ichizoku (Family)

One family, one clan. A reminder of the people you belong to.

忠義 – Chūgi (Loyalty)

Loyalty and devotion, one of the core values of Yamatodamashii.

誇り – Hokori (Pride)

Pride in who you are and what you stand for.

Engraved symbols

Dragon – Strength

Gold-engraved dragons stand for power and strength. Found on our Triple Dragon series, including the Onyx, Red, White and Sunshine Triple Dragons.

Phoenix – Rebirth

The phoenix rises again from its own ashes, a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings.

Sakura (cherry blossom) – Change

The sakura blooms each spring, a symbol of change and renewal. Engraved in pink on our Sakura series, such as Midnight Sakura and Yuki Sakura.

Frequently asked questions

Are the characters on Destiny Forever bracelets Japanese or Chinese?

Japanese. They are Japanese kanji, such as 大和魂 (Yamatodamashii) and 柔術 (Jiu-Jitsu), chosen by Enson Inoue for their meaning in Japanese.

What does Yamatodamashii mean on a bracelet?

It means "the Samurai Spirit": giving everything until the very end, guided by integrity, honor, compassion and loyalty. It is the name Japan gave Enson Inoue for the way he fought.

Can I choose the kanji or engraving on my bracelet?

Every bracelet is made to order. Contact us to ask about a custom center stone.

See what each stone means on Stones by Meaning and Stones A–Z, or shop all bracelets.