Menuki with dragonfly, the insect of the Victory Katsu Mushi (勝 虫).

Menuki Omote: Length 40mm, Width 13mm, Height 2mm

Menuki Ura: Length 40mm, Width 13mm, Height 2mm

The dragonfly is important in Japan. According to the times it was called Akitsu (秋 津), Katsu Mushi (勝 虫), and finally Tombo (蜻 蛉 or と ん ぼ)

• The dragonfly named Akitsu (秋 津).
  This refers to the Kojiki, where Emperor Jinmu, sitting on top of a mountain, would have noticed that (there are 3 variants according to sources) that:
   - the outline of islands near the mainland resembled two dragonflies mating;
   - the shape of the islands resembled a dragonfly curled up on itself, licking its tail, or
   - the shape of the islands reminded the Emperor of a circle of flying dragonflies.
  For this reason Japan (the island of Honshu) was called Akitsushima (秋 津 島), the islands of the dragonfly. This term is sometimes used to refer to the Yamato (大 和), the historical cradle of Japan.
• The dragonfly named Katsu Mushi (勝 虫).
  Meaning literally "Victory Insect", Katsu Mushi is very popular among samurai. Because dragonflies were considered to be fearless, quick and courageous, they were believed to provide strength and protection for soldiers.
  The dragonfly is known to move quickly towards its target and effectively kill a pest (mosquitoes, taons...) without hesitation or retreat: it always goes forward (which makes some people falsely say that the dragonfly does not retreat. It does, it is even one of the most agile insects in flight). It symbolizes agility, determination and victory for the samurai.
• The dragonfly Tombo (蜻 蛉).
  This is the common name for the dragonfly today. It’s found in Tombogaeri, the somersault. It is a symbol of protection for children, since they eat the mosquitoes before they come to bite the children who are outside in summer.