Japanese cedar, cryptomeria, (kokuji)
椙 is a Japanese kokuji that refers specifically to the Japanese cedar (cryptomeria), a culturally significant tree in Japan.
椙 is a kokuji (Japanese-made kanji) combining 木 (tree) with 昌, likely chosen for its sound すぎ (sugi) to represent the Japanese cedar. The exact historical reasoning behind the choice of 昌 is uncertain.
A tree (木) that prospers (昌 suggests flourishing) — picture a tall, thriving Japanese cedar standing proudly in a shrine grove.
For すぎ, imagine a cedar tree so tall it scrapes the sky: 'sky' sounds like すぎ, and the tree (椙) reaches up to it.
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Sugiyama Jogakuen University