The word "sarazanmai" is a portmanteau of Japanese phrases: "sara" means plate. In Japanese mythology, kappa (water demons) have a plate on their heads that contains water. Whenever a kappa is on dry land it must keep water in the plate; if it ever dries out the kappa will lose its power and eventually its life. "zan" means "three" (in Japanese either "zan" or "san" is used for the number), referring to the three protagonists. "mai" means "real love" ("ma" meaning "real" and "ai" meaning "love"), referring to the connection between souls.