Ohtori

Ohtori is a romanized Japanese name that can function as both a surname and a place name. It is commonly written with kanji such as 大鳥, meaning “great bird,” though the exact characters can vary, and romanization may appear as Ōtori or Otori depending on system and preference. As a toponym, the name appears in multiple localities in Japan, with different kanji readings and historical origins.

In popular culture, Ohtori is most widely known as the setting of the anime and manga series Revolutionary Girl Utena. Ohtori Academy is presented as a prestigious, secluded high school with a ceremonial, dueling system in which students compete for ownership of the Rose Bride, a key figure in the plot. The academy and its surroundings are tied to the Ohtori family, a powerful lineage central to the series’ mythology and political intrigue. The story uses the Ohtori setting to explore themes of identity, gender, authority, and transformation, often through surreal and symbolic imagery.

In real-world usage, Ohtori remains primarily a surname and place-name element in Japan. It is relatively uncommon as a personal name, but it appears in various regional names and family names, reflecting local historical or geographic associations with the idea of “great bird” or prominent status.