Tsurumaki

Tsurumaki is a Japanese surname. It can also refer to various places and things in Japan. One prominent geographical location is Tsurumaki Onsen, a hot spring resort town located in Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture. This area is known for its natural beauty and therapeutic hot springs, attracting visitors seeking relaxation and wellness.

In the context of popular culture, Tsurumaki is the surname of several fictional characters. Perhaps the most well-known is Tsurumaki Mikoto, a character from the anime and manga series Neon Genesis Evangelion. She is the commander of NERV and a complex, often enigmatic figure within the narrative. Another notable character is Tsurumaki Maki, from the anime and manga series The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls, who is an energetic and optimistic idol singer.

The name Tsurumaki itself can be broken down into its kanji components. Tsuru (鶴) means crane, a bird often associated with longevity and good fortune in Japanese culture. Maki (巻) can mean to roll or to wrap. Therefore, a literal interpretation might suggest something like "crane scroll" or "rolled crane," though the precise etymological origin and meaning can vary. The surname is found throughout Japan, with its distribution not particularly concentrated in any single region.