Turtles in Japan

[thomas]

Guest Ginny Kulesa asked:

Can you tell me what does the turtle symbolize in Japan?

[thomas]

Without claiming any expertise in this field, there are two possible explanations related to the symbol of tortoise in Japan:

[list=1]
In Japanese tales and legends turtles are usually said to live "ten thousand years", thus they represent longevity.
Don't get me wrong, but "turtle head" (kitou) is a strictly medical term referring to male genitalia. It is of course also used in popular slang.[/list=1]

We hope that helped!

[Squareboy]

Turtule? Wow This Site shure is filled with a lot of stupid threads

[NANGI]

Konnichiwa thomas-san!
Yes, turtle is a symbol of long life.:note:
And a soft shelled turtle is a symbol of persistent man(or unpleasant fellow).:D
There is a proverb "Tsuki to suppon" in Japan.
"Tsuki" is the moon and is a synonym for beautiful.
"to" means "And".
"Suppon" is a soft shelled turtle. Of course "Suppon" means "dirty".
"Tsuki to suppon" is "Moon and soft shelled turtle" in literal translation but means "It is as different as day and night".:D

NANGI

[kazuma]

There're some good explainations in アベノ橋魔法☆商店街 . If you have a chance, rent this anime. Interesting one.