The Kikkoman trademark

The name of "Kikkoman" has Japanese origins. "Kikko" means turtle shell in Japanese, and "man" means 10,000. According to Japanese legend, turtles live to be 10,000 years old, which is why they are symbolic of happiness, success and a long life. These are also goals that Kikkoman pursues, which is why it chose the name. The two words are also reflected in the Kikkoman corporate and product logos: a hexagon to symbolise a turtle shell containing the Japanese character for 10,000.