A Ball in a Box

This not-so-smart-conversation between me and my friend L happened last week. We were on our way to Suzukakedai Station when the train we rode made a brief stop at Futakotamagawa Station (二子玉川　駅)。We both have learned some kanjis , but still very bad at it.

Me : I never knew that kanji "ko" or kid (子)　can be read as "tako", i understand that ni or two (二) can be read as "fu"

L : hmmm, maybe it is not "fu" but "futa"

Me : Ah yes, like "futari" (二人) or "futatsu"　(二つ), if so then the "ko" still read as "ko".

L : yep

Me : Then how about the rest, "tama" and "gawa"? I don't recognize the "tama", but it is obvious that the "gawa" uses the kanji for river.

L : Maybe it is kanji for ball, like in "hitodama" or "gindama".

Me : All i know is if we put that kanji into a box, we will have a country or "kuni". (玉＋口->国). If your guess is true then a country is made from a ball in the box

L : Like flag of japan (Hinomaru) ?



Me : Hahaha, close enough. let me check it *so i checked it on my phone*. You are right, it is kanji for ball. So in a way, kanji for country or "kuni" （国） can represent flag of japan.

L : Maybe we can put it that way haha.

Me : Kanji sure is interesting