Meaning & History
The name Aizen is derived from two Japanese kanji characters: “ai” (愛) meaning “love” or “affection,” and “zen” (善) meaning “good” or “virtuous.” Together, Aizen can be translated as “lover of good” or “one who does good deeds out of love and compassion.”Aizen has significant cultural roots in both Japanese and Buddhist traditions. In Japanese culture, Aizen is associated with the goddess of love and beauty, Benzaiten, who is often portrayed holding a biwa, a traditional Japanese lute. In Buddhist tradition, Aizen is one of the Five Wisdom Kings, a group of deities who represent different aspects of enlightenment. Aizen is specifically associated with desire, passion, and love, and is often depicted with a sword or a rope to symbolize his power over these emotions.