Japanese Symbol for

友情

yūjō

friendship · fellowship · camaraderie

Readings

  • 友 ONユウ
  • 友 KUNともtomo
  • 情 ONジョウ・セイjō / sei
  • 情 KUNなさ(け)nasa-ke (sympathy, compassion)

Meaning

Friendship, fellowship, camaraderie. 友情 is a deeper bond than casual friendship — it implies emotional connection, loyalty, and mutual care. The old site ranked it as the most popular symbol of all.

友達

tomodachi

friend (everyday word)

親友

shin'yū

close friend, best friend

友好

yūkō

friendship, goodwill

親善

shinzen

friendship, goodwill (diplomatic)

懇親

konshin

friendship, intimacy, fellowship

友愛

yūai

fraternity, friendship, brotherly love

友情 was the #1 most popular kanji on the old japanese-symbols.org — above even 愛 (love). In Japanese culture, deep friendship bonds are highly valued and often depicted in manga and anime through the concept of 仲間 (nakama — companions who share bonds stronger than mere friendship). 友情・努力・勝利 (friendship, effort, victory) are the three pillars of the manga series One Piece and Shonen Jump.

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