wealth??? why name this wealth? well, in japan, a rat/mouse is said to represent wealth and fortune. (hey, i watch tv programs on mice)the japanese name for rat is ''nezumi'', pronounced NEZ-ooo-mee. ''hatsuka nezumi'' is mouse, pronounced HAT-soo-kuuh NEZ-oo-mee. so Chuuko Nezu probably means ''squeaking mouse'' because chu-chu is said to mean kiss and that is where chuuko originated. NOTE: it is very common that a girls name in japan ends in ko! so why is it called wealth now? well, nezu is a white mouse, right? you could say gray, but i think she's white. white mice are messengers of the japanese god of good fortune. good fortune = wealth,good health, and long life. err. . .nezu didn't stay too long with us, but uhh. . .anyways, white mice are kept as pets and are included in many paintings,sculptures, and other various bits of artwork in japan. white mice are said to have their own kingdom that is found by falling in a hole. (i wanna go, hee)the mice enjoy rice cakes presents, and sing songs of thankfullness and joy when presented with rice cakes. welps, that's all i've been able to scratch up so far, i'm looking for more in my lil books. home