Ideographic Annotation Reverse Mark

Read the next character, then return to this one.

Kanbun is Japan’s way of reading Classical Chinese. Kaeriten (返り点, “return marks”) guide reading order; レ is the usual one-step sign, and ㆑ is its distinct Kanbun character.

When did kaeriten begin?

The earliest cited Japanese example is from 788.

The Buddhist-text example dates the broader practice, not this exact shape. Early marks showed which character to revisit; the fuller route system developed in the Edo period. The practice appears in manuscripts, print, and digital texts.

In vertical text, marks sit beside their characters; flattening can hide the link. Fonts may alter the shape or fail to display it.