Hi, it’s Junko from Japan! The entire name NARA SHIKAMARU is derived from Nara prefecture in Japan. Nara Prefecture is famous as a place where deer live alongside humans, and ‘SHIKA’ in ‘Shikamaru’ means ‘deer’ in Japanese.
In this post, I’ll unravel the meaning of Shikamaru’s full name in detail! Ever wondered how his name is intertwined with Japanese culture? Let’s find out together!
What Does SHIKAMARU Mean?
SHIKA = deer
MARU = circle, rounded
SHIKA means deer in Japanese. MARU stands for “circle” and is a common suffix for boys’ names in old Japan. OROCHIMARU and KONOHAMARU have the same suffix.
The use of ‘MARU’ in names often gives a ninja-like sound and is commonly found in Japanese ninja anime and manga. If you add ‘MARU’ to your name, like ‘Tom-maru,’ it instantly sounds ninja-ish—haha!
Speaking of SHIKA, Shikamaru’s family members also have it in their first names.
For example, Shikamaru’s dad is SHIKAKU. The word SHIKAKU means “square” in Japanese. Also, The name of Shikamaru’s son in BORUTO is SHIKADAI. I think it comes from DAIKEI, meaning “trapezoid” in Japanese.
It seems the boys’ names from the Nara family are all related to the names of shapes.
- SHIKAMARU = deer + circle
- SHIKAKU = deer + square
- SHIKADAI = deer + trapezoid
What Does NARA Mean?
Shikamaru’s last name NARA stands for Nara prefecture in Japan. Nara is famous for having many wild deer in the city area. For us, hearing the word SHIKA (deer) makes us think of Nara prefecture.
After having defeated and sealed Hidan under the ground in the Naruto second arc (Shippuden), Shikamaru told Hidan that fellow deer of the Nara clan would watch over him.
According to Shikamaru’s line, only the members of the Nara clan are allowed to enter the forest where Hidan was sealed. That shows that these deer are also part of the Nara clan.
In Oriental medicine, deer horns have been used as a fine medicine. Though there’s no description in NARUTO episodes, the Nara clan may have made secret medicine from them.
The Origin of Formation Ino-Shika-Cho
The Formation Ino-Shika-Cho, a combination of members from the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka families, has its roots in Japanese tradition.
“Ino-Shika-Cho” refers to a high-scoring hand in the traditional Japanese card game “Hanafuda.”
This hand consists of three cards: “Hagi with Boar” (Ino), “Maple with Deer” (Shika), and “Peony with Butterfly” (Cho).
- Boar (Ino): A symbol of prosperity and abundant offspring.
- Deer (Shika): A symbol of good luck and financial fortune.
- Butterfly (Cho): A symbol of harmonious married life and longevity.
Together, these symbols create “Ino-Shika-Cho,” considered a highly auspicious hand!
In Naruto, Ino-Shika-Cho represents a combination attack by Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino.
This collaboration is a time-honored tradition in the Leaf Village, passed down from parent to child through generations. You can see the new Ino-Shika-Cho formation in BORUTO!
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