The “Twelve Level Cap and Rank System” adopted in 603 defined rank based on the five Chinese elements passed onto Japan through the spread of Buddhism and language from the Asian continent. Based on wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, the ‘Cap and Rank System’ involved coloured caps, worn by ranked officials of the government and imperial court. Through this system important meaning was ingrained into each of the colours adopted in the system. For example, deep purple, the colour allowed only to the highest ranked officials, became attributed to unmatched virtue for its affiliation with elite nobility. Moving down the list, the virtue and ‘rank’ of each colour became increasingly linked to the job and responsibilities of those donning the cap. The cultural significance of colors in Japan is complex and multifaceted. Colors can be used to convey a wide range of emotions and meanings, depending on the context. For example, the color red can be used to express love, happiness, or anger, depending on the situation.

Colors in Japanese: A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Color Colors in Japanese: A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Color

Now, imagine spring. Flowers blooming, the small, light green leaves of the blossoming cherry and plum trees filling in the gaps between the beautiful white, pink, and purple flower petals. Marigolds and willows popping up in between balance out this Japanese spring palette. Coto Japanese Academy offers relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learners. In today’s post I’m going to give a rundown of Japan’s favourite and most historically popular colours, investigating their meaning while showing some examples of how their usage has changed over time. By taking this crash-course of Japanese colour, you will be able to impress your friends with thoughtful insights into the history and meaning of each colour, enriching your travels and giving you an edge when searching for that perfect ‘Made in Japan’ gift or memento.Purple:Purple is the color of the Japanese imperial family and is associated with royalty, luxury, and power. It is also associated with mystery and spirituality. The artwork which is featured on the front of the set is titled ‘Baku’ and after reading about the origins of the title of the name, it would appear that Baku is otherwise known as the ‘dream eater’ and is a mythological being or spirit in Chinese and Japanese folklore which is said to devour nightmares. The baku cannot be summoned without caution, however, as ancient legends say that if the baku is not satisfied after consuming the nightmare, he may also devour one’s hopes and dreams.

Japan’s Traditional Colours: Expression The Secret Meaning of Japan’s Traditional Colours: Expression

Another example is the color orange. Even Japanese people will often opt for the loanword, オレンジ, instead of using the traditional Japanese word: 橙色 (daidaiiro).

To use Japanese colors as adjectives, you can use them directly in front of a subject. For example: Neo Nihonga was proposed as a means for interrupting the post-Meiji concept of nihonga, and breaking free from the hierarchical structure that has been dominating the Japanese art world since the modern age, and at the same time, as a possible alternative ground in the discussion of Japanese contemporary art history. Nihonga or literally “Japanese-style paintings” are paintings that have been made in accordance with traditional Japanese artistic conventions, techniques and materials. While based on traditions over a thousand years old, the term was coined in the Meiji period of the Imperial Japan, to distinguish such works from Western-style paintings, or Yōga. Read more about Nihonga paintings in our earlier blog post here Green:Green is the color of nature and is often associated with growth, fertility, and new beginnings. It is also the color of youth and vitality.