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What Does the Nazi Swastika Symbol Mean?
The swastika (svastika in Sanskrit) literally translates to “good fortune and well-being” (conducive to well-being). The symbol was first used in Eurasia around 7,000 years ago, and it was thought to be a sacred symbol of fertility, health, and positive life encouragement. The swastika has been a sacred symbol for Hinduism, Buddhism, Odinism, and even Jainism since it was discovered. However, the swastika symbol’s positive connotation was forever tainted when Nazi Germany adopted it. Adolf Hitler adopted the swastika symbol for the National Socialist (Nazi) Party’s insignia and flag in 1920. The Nazi Swastika symbol is a reflection of their own struggle and was used as a highly effective poster that has long been associated with genocide, fascism, and the Nazis’ brutality, particularly during World War II. Since then, the swastika symbol has come to represent hatred and racial bias, so it will always be a source of contention if an anime series like Tokyo Revengers decides to use the same symbol today. ALSO READ: The Coolest Tattoos in Tokyo Revengers You Should Try
Why Does Tokyo Revengers Use the Nazi Swastika Symbol?
The swastika symbol represents prosperity and good fortune in Japan. The Tokyo Manji Gang in Tokyo Revengers, in particular, uses a gyaku manji (the right swastika symbol) as an emblem not because of the Nazis, but because it represents good luck and auspiciousness. The swastika symbol in Tokyo Revengers has long been a source of contention because it is frequently associated with the Nazis. Understandably, everyone associates the swastika symbol with negativity, unaware of its other meanings in countries such as Japan, India, and even Indonesia. Simply put, the swastika symbol in Tokyo Revengers represents Buddhism. It has been used for centuries in Japan to indicate the location of Buddhist temples. It has absolutely nothing to do with the Nazis, let alone their symbolism. Ken Wakui has come under fire for using the symbol as a result of the controversy. Some fans even commented that the symbol was difficult to look at and that the swastika turned them off. But this is not the first time a swastika symbol has appeared in an anime or manga series. Fans of Bleach are quick to notice the symbol on the crossguard of Ichigo’s Bankai. In fact, the Naruto manga also used the symbol on Neji’s forehead, which has long been censored in the anime. Want the latest on all things anime? Make sure you follow us on Twitter! READ NEXT: Why Does Mikey Wear Bandages in Tokyo Revengers?
