The lively dragonfly holds many meanings in Japanese culture. Farmers throughout Japan's agricultural history saw it as a beneficial insect that helped eliminate pests, and as a sign of the coming of spring. The tonbo pattern is thus associated with the rich bounties of the earth and a good harvest.

Only ever moving forward in flight, the tonbo was also considered a symbol of courage and victory by warriors, leading to its extensive use on weapons, armour, and other objects associated with victory and vitality.