The brand name Kikkoman carries a rich historical and cultural meaning derived from traditional Japanese symbolism. The word is a combination of kikko, meaning tortoise shell, and man, which translates to the number 10,000. According to ancient Japanese folklore and legends, turtles are believed to live for 10,000 years, serving as enduring symbols of happiness, good fortune, success, and long-term longevity. This inspiring philosophy is reflected in their iconic hexagonal logo representing a tortoise shell combined with the kanji character for 10,000.