Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison recently renamed his luxury yacht after an unfortunate discovery. The billionaire originally named his 191-foot vessel "Izanami," referencing a Japanese Shinto deity associated with creation and death.
The Unfortunate Reversal
Ellison changed the yacht's name when someone pointed out a disturbing detail. When spelled backwards, "Izanami" reads as "I'm a Nazi." This phrase carries deeply offensive connotations worldwide.
The technology magnate immediately dropped the name following this revelation. Vulture magazine first detailed this incident in a recent profile of the Oracle founder.
Yacht Details and Purchase
Ellison acquired this impressive yacht after making substantial investments in a Florida safari park. The vessel required tens of millions of dollars.
Though smaller than his previous 288-foot yacht, this 191-foot boat remains among the largest privately owned yachts globally. Its size continues to command attention in luxury maritime circles.
Personal Connections and Reactions
Ellison maintains strong personal and business relationships with Israel. His first wife once described him as "an ardent Zionist." The Vulture report noted his closeness to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
This background made the Nazi reference particularly sensitive. The mythological meaning initially attracted Ellison to the name, but the reversed spelling created immediate concerns.
Social Media Buzz
News of the yacht name change quickly spread across social media platforms. Users compared the situation to fictional portrayals of wealthy families in popular television dramas.
"This is straight out of Succession," wrote podcast host Rob Pasbani in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The comparison resonated with many observers.
Some social media users expressed frustration about constant coverage of billionaire lifestyles. "I am so tired, y'all," commented one Reddit user responding to the story.
Another Reddit contributor remarked, "'Reality' is just too on the nose," highlighting how real-life events sometimes mirror fictional narratives.
Ellison's Legacy and Family
Larry Ellison, now 80 years old, co-founded Oracle Corporation in 1977. He remains one of the company's largest shareholders today.
His son David Ellison works in the media industry. Earlier reports suggest David will assume a leadership position at Paramount Skydance later this year.
The yacht naming incident adds another chapter to Ellison's public story. It demonstrates how even carefully chosen names can carry unintended meanings when viewed from different perspectives.
