Idemitsu
/ide̞mʲit͡sɯ̟ᵝ/noun
A Japanese surname and the name of a Japanese petroleum and energy company founded by Sazō Idemitsu.
Did you know?The company Idemitsu was founded in 1911 by Sazō Idemitsu, whose surname is written 出光, using characters meaning “emerge” and “light.”
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Japanese writing
Japanese
出
“A kanji meaning “to go out,” “emerge,” or “appear.””
Ancient Japanese writing
Japanese
光
“A kanji meaning “light,” “brightness,” or “radiance.””
Premodern Japan
Japanese
出光
“A surname written with the characters for “emerge” and “light”; the exact history of the family reading is not securely documented in general etymological sources.”
1911
Japanese
出光商会
“Idemitsu Shōkai, the trading company founded by Sazō Idemitsu.”
Modern English
English
Idemitsu
“A Japanese proper name, especially referring to Idemitsu Kosan, the energy company.”