Quick Summary
- 1Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison renamed his superyacht Izanami after discovering its name spelled 'I'm a Nazi' backwards.
- 2The vessel was originally built for a Japanese businessman and named after a Shinto deity.
- 3The name change occurred after local press pointed out the controversial reverse spelling.
- 4The incident highlights the intense scrutiny faced by high-profile figures and their public assets.
Quick Summary
Larry Ellison, the billionaire co-founder of Oracle, has renamed his superyacht following an unexpected linguistic discovery. The vessel, originally named Izanami, was rebranded after it was noted that the name's reverse spelling spells out a deeply offensive phrase.
The name change was prompted by local press attention, which highlighted the unfortunate backward reading of the original name. This incident underscores how even the most carefully planned details can sometimes lead to unintended and sensitive outcomes, particularly for high-profile individuals.
The Original Name
The superyacht in question was originally constructed for a Japanese businessman. Its initial name, Izanami, was chosen for its cultural significance, drawing from Japanese mythology.
In Shinto tradition, Izanami is a prominent deity, often referred to as the "She who invites" and is considered the goddess of creation and death. The name was intended to reflect a deep connection to Japanese heritage and spiritual tradition.
- Built for a prominent Japanese business figure
- Named after a major Shinto deity
- Reflects deep cultural and mythological significance
The Unfortunate Reversal
The controversy emerged when the name Izanami was read in reverse. The backward spelling, "I'm a Nazi" (with a slight phonetic interpretation), created an immediate and sensitive issue.
This discovery was brought to public attention by local press, which quickly reported on the unfortunate linguistic coincidence. For a public figure of Ellison's stature, such an association, even if accidental, is untenable and requires swift action.
The reverse spelling of the yacht's name created an association that was impossible to ignore.
The Swift Rebranding
Following the media scrutiny, Larry Ellison moved quickly to address the situation. The billionaire, who is of Jewish heritage, oversaw the rechristening of the vessel to remove the problematic association.
The decision to rename the superyacht was a direct response to the press reports. While the new name of the vessel has not been publicly disclosed, the action itself speaks to the importance of managing public perception and avoiding any connection to hateful ideologies.
- Decision made after press pointed out the issue
- Ellison is a prominent Jewish billionaire
- Rebranding was executed to eliminate the association
Cultural & Public Perception
This incident highlights the intense level of scrutiny applied to the assets and decisions of high-net-worth individuals. Every detail, from a yacht's name to its design, is subject to public analysis.
The situation also illustrates the complex intersection of cultural naming and global media. A name chosen for its positive mythological roots in one context can take on an entirely different and negative meaning when viewed through a different linguistic lens.
Public figures must navigate a landscape where even unintentional oversights can become major news stories.
Looking Ahead
The renaming of the superyacht serves as a notable case study in brand management and crisis response. For Larry Ellison, the swift action likely contained the narrative, preventing further escalation.
Ultimately, the story is a reminder of the power of language and the importance of due diligence in all public-facing endeavors. As the vessel moves forward under a new name, the incident remains a curious footnote in the world of luxury assets and celebrity news.
Frequently Asked Questions
The superyacht was originally named Izanami, a name derived from Japanese Shinto mythology. It was chosen for its cultural significance and was originally intended for a Japanese businessman.
The name was changed after local press pointed out that 'Izanami' spelled 'I'm a Nazi' when read backwards. This unfortunate linguistic coincidence prompted a swift rebranding by the owner.
The vessel is owned by Larry Ellison, the American billionaire and co-founder of Oracle. He is also of Jewish heritage, which added sensitivity to the naming issue.
The name Izanami is significant in Japanese culture as it belongs to a major Shinto deity. She is known as the goddess of creation and death and is a central figure in Japanese mythology.










