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International Color Guide - Japan

The Use of Both Soft and Intense Colors Are visceral Signals in the Japanese Color Tradition.

Japan's flag is a graphical representation of its title as "The Land of the Rising Sun." The sun disk at the flag's center is so recognizable and simple that it has become a symbol for Japan the world round.

The use of red in the flag represents life and vitality. Symbolically, the color is also regarded to have the power to ward off evil.

The use of red in the flag represents life and vitality. Symbolically, the color is also regarded to have the power to ward off evil.

Red is probably the most meaningful color in Japan. The "hi-no-maru," the red sun disk at the center of the flag, is the strongest color symbol: Set in a field of white, it is immediately identifiable as the emblem of Japan.

White is the color of the gods. It is sacred and can represent purity; death and rebirth. It is used at weddings and funerals. White is also the color of mourning.

In Japan, black is a mysterious color, speaking of night, the unknown, even non-existence. It is a solemn, sometimes unlucky color.

Red represents life and vitality. It can indicate unexpected beauty, but is also recognized as unstable, capable of swinging to areas of vulgarity or excess. Some Japanese believe that red can ward off evil.

In Japan, blue is representative of the theater, supernatural creatures, ghosts and villains.

Green is a positive color, signifying life, eternal life, and energy. Olive green symbolizes dignity.

In Japan, orange is regarded as the color of love.

Pink is considered to be a happy, positive color in Japan.

Purple is widely considered to be the color of nobility.

The combination of red and white speaks of celebration and happiness. It links power and rebirth, signifying the life force.

Black is often unlucky, but not when it is paired with red. This color combination represents sexuality.