🈚️

Japanese "free of charge" button

Japanese free of charge button
Unicode: 1F21A
Added: 0.6
Category: Flags

Definitions

1
Symbols Β· Business rare
A Japanese symbol meaning "free of charge" or "no cost," displayed as white kanji characters (η„‘ζ–™) on a red square background, used to indicate something is complimentary or gratis.
Primarily used in business contexts to indicate free services, products, or content, especially in Japanese-influenced communications.
Free shipping on all orders! πŸˆšοΈπŸ“¦
E-commerce promotion
Represents the Japanese kanji η„‘ζ–™ (muryou), commonly seen on Japanese signage and digital interfaces to denote free offerings.

Evolution Timeline

2010
Included in Unicode 6.0 as part of Japanese symbol standardization
Growing need for standardized Japanese business symbols in digital communication

Cultural Context

Represents a specific Japanese concept of η„‘ζ–™ (muryou), demonstrating how emoji can preserve and transmit cultural-linguistic concepts across digital platforms globally.
Part of a series of Japanese button emojis that bridge traditional kanji signage with modern digital communication, maintaining cultural authenticity in global contexts.

Regional Variations

Japan Most commonly understood and used, as it represents native Japanese kanji characters for "free of charge."

Generational Usage

Gen_X: Limited usage, primarily in business communications when dealing with Japanese companies or when explicitly indicating free services in formal contexts.
Gen_Z: Rarely used except ironically or when specifically referencing Japanese culture, often seen as too formal or obscure for casual communication.
Older: Very rare usage, typically only by those with direct Japanese cultural experience or in specific business contexts requiring formal symbols.
Millennials: Occasionally used in professional contexts or when discussing Japanese products/services, more likely to understand its meaning from anime/manga exposure.

Common Combinations

πŸˆšοΈπŸ’°
Emphasizing that something costs no money
Used in promotional contexts to highlight free offerings alongside money symbols
🈚️🎁
Free gift or complimentary item
Marketing and promotional communications offering free items

Related Emojis