STARTUPS

I am personally very reflective about this matter. At Sakana AI, we have a custom of using Japanese words related to fish in our project names. The tentative name initially given to this project was Namazu. Subsequently, as we prepared for release, we extensively considered various official name proposals, going back and forth through trademark surveys, popularity votes, and discussions among stakeholders (this was extremely challenging), and ultimately only Namazu remained as a candidate. I must confess, most of us were unaware of the full-text search system Namazu. We had been aware for several months that the company would be releasing something under the name Namazu, but no concerns about the name were raised. Following this feedback, I conducted my own research. Due to generational differences, it didn't initially click, but I was finally able to appreciate that the full-text search system Namazu was an important presence that supported the Japanese web from the late 1990s onward. What particularly impressed me was learning about Tetsu Takabayashi, the creator. I have a weakness for carefully reading technical books, and there are not many I can say I've properly read. I was struck to learn that Takabayashi-san is also the author of "Binary Hacks," one of the few memorable technical books I have opened multiple times. While learning this belatedly, my feelings of respect, gratitude, and regret grew very strong. (My 2024 post about Binary Hacks: nitter.net/iwiwi/status/1840318083992612983) When I consulted directly with Takabayashi-san and offered my apologies, including being prepared to change the name, he did not raise concerns about the name and instead offered me encouraging words beyond what I deserved. While reflecting on my own shortcomings, I will continue to do my best going forward. — [Sakana AI official statement] Regarding the Name of the New LLM Series "Namazu" Regarding the name of the new LLM series "Namazu" featured in the recently released Sakana Chat (chat.sakana.ai), we have received valuable feedback from users who were reminded of the full-text search system "Namazu," which was widely used from the 1990s through the 2000s. The full-text search system Namazu was a system that laid the foundation for Japanese full-text search. While Sakana AI conducted legal verification regarding trademarks in naming Namazu, our research into the historical background of this field was insufficient. Following this feedback, we contacted Tetsu Takabayashi, the creator of the full-text search system Namazu, explained the circumstances, and consulted with him about the name. Takabayashi-san not only graciously permitted us to use the name but also gave us encouraging words to the effect of "I look forward to the development of Namazu" (we convey only the gist as this was a private communication). We will continue our development efforts to ensure that our project proves worthy of the name built by this great predecessor. [Translated from EN to English]

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