Traditional Colors

The pale pink color of cherry blossoms in full bloom. It symbolizes the arrival of spring and the ephemeral beauty of life in Japanese culture.

A gentle pink resembling peach blossoms. In Japan, peach trees are believed to ward off evil spirits and are celebrated during the Girls' Festival.

A bright, golden yellow named after the Japanese globeflower. Historically, it was also used as a slang term for gold coins (koban).

A vivid, warm yellow resembling the fields of rapeseed flowers that signal the height of spring.

A bright yellowish-green representing the color of fresh young sprouts in spring. It signifies youth, energy, and new beginnings.

A bright, fresh green representing the new grass sprouting in early spring. It is a traditional color of the Heian period nobility.

A dull, greenish-brown color resembling the feathers of the Japanese bush warbler (Uguisu), a bird that heralds the coming of spring.

A soft, bright blue named after the small, delicate forget-me-not flowers that bloom in spring. It represents true love and memories.

A soft pinkish-orange, the color of the Japanese Crested Ibis's feathers. A gentle color often seen in kimono patterns.

A deep, bluish-purple resembling the wild violet flowers found in Japanese fields during spring.

A light, elegant purple resembling wisteria flowers. Highly cherished by Heian nobility, it appears frequently in classic literature.

A pale blue-green color like the leaves of green onions. It was famously worn on the haori (jackets) of the Shinsengumi samurai police force.

A deep, vivid blue resembling the precious stone Lapis Lazuli. In Buddhism, it is considered one of the seven treasures and represents purity.

A bright blue named after the Asiatic dayflower, which blooms in early summer mornings. The dye from this flower was historically used for draft sketches.

An extremely pale indigo blue, achieved by only briefly dipping the cloth into the dye vat (peeking in). It represents the coolest, lightest shade of summer blue.

A pale, clear blue representing pure water. It is a quintessential summer color, evoking coolness and refreshment.

The deep blue color of natural indigo dye. It is known as 'Japan Blue' abroad and has been the most common color for everyday clothing in Japan.

A dull blue-green color resembling the stalk of a growing bamboo. It represents growth and straightness.

Named after the fringed pink flower (Dianthus). While considered one of the seven flowers of autumn, it blooms in summer and represents the ideal Japanese woman.

A rich, vibrant magenta-pink inspired by the peony, the 'King of Flowers'. It symbolizes wealth, nobility, and bravery.

A brilliant yellow named after the sunflower. Though a relatively modern addition to traditional colors (Edo period), it symbolizes the peak of summer.

A deep red derived from the madder plant roots. It is famously used to describe the beautiful glowing sky at sunset in autumn.

A bluish-purple named after the balloon flower, one of the seven flowers of autumn. It represents unchanging love and honesty.

A reddish-brown dye made from fermented unripe persimmons. It has been used for centuries as a waterproof coating for wood and paper.

A translucent yellowish-brown color resembling amber (fossilized resin). It represents luxury and warmth.

A deep, golden-brown color. A popular and chic color variation of the bright Yamabuki color, favored in the Edo period.

A brownish color representing decaying leaves in late autumn. Heian nobility had many variations of this color to express the subtleties of the season.

A reddish-yellow earth color. It is one of the oldest pigments used by mankind and represents the earth and harvest.

A deep reddish-purple resembling wild grapes (Ebizuru). Note that 'Ebi' here refers to the grape plant, not the shrimp (also 'Ebi').

A deep, intense scarlet. Historically, this was a high-ranking color, worn by officials of the 4th rank and above.

A grayish-brown green named after Sen no Rikyu. It embodies the concept of 'Wabi-Sabi'—finding beauty in imperfection and simplicity.

A reddish-purple traditionally dyed in Kyoto. It represents the elegant and graceful style of the ancient capital.

A deep green like pine or cedar leaves that do not change color even in winter. It symbolizes eternity, longevity, and unchanging fortune.

A dark, deep green resembling the needles of a pine tree. A symbol of longevity and endurance against the cold winter.

A vivid red dyed from safflowers. It pops beautifully against the white snow, making it a symbolic color of winter cosmetics and clothing.

A very pale blue, almost white, resembling ice. It represents the cold, crisp air of winter.

A light gray with a silver tint. During the Edo period, strictly regulated commoners created '48 shades of brown and gray' to enjoy fashion within the rules.

A dark gray resembling the color of calligraphy ink. It is lighter than pure black and has nuances of shading.

A very dark, slightly greenish navy blue. It signifies strength and durability, often favored by warriors.

A deep brownish-green resembling 'Miru' (sea pine) seaweed. It is a subdued, classic color appreciated by tea masters and poets.

A vivid yellowish-red. Traditionally made from cinnabar, it is used in Shinto shrine gates (Torii) to ward off evil.

A deep, vivid blue pigment made from azurite. It has been used in Japanese paintings to depict the ocean or the sky.

A stylish, bluish-purple beloved by the people of Edo (old Tokyo). It represents the 'Iki' (chic) aesthetic of the Kabuki theater culture.

A dark, dull red derived from sappanwood. In the ancient court hierarchy, it was a prestigious color worn by high-ranking officials.

A reddish-brown color resembling red beans (Azuki). Red beans are believed to bring good luck and are eaten on celebratory occasions.

A greenish-gray named after Sen no Rikyu. It is a subtle, sophisticated color that embodies the tea ceremony aesthetic.

A warm white pigment made from crushed oyster shells, traditionally used for the skin of Japanese Hina dolls.

A pure, glossy black resembling wet lacquerware. It represents infinite depth and silence.

A classic deep blue dyed with indigo. It has been the most common color for Japanese clothing for centuries, representing reliability.

The color of gold, symbolizing wealth, divinity, and the harvest. Used extensively in Buddhist art and lacquerware.