Why do Japanese like red?

Red is a color that holds special meaning in Japanese culture. It is connected to sacred Shinto shrines, good luck, passion, and more. Understanding why the Japanese have an affinity for the color red provides insight into their traditions, superstitions, and aesthetic preferences.

The History of Red in Japan

Red has long been an important color in Japanese culture. In ancient times, red was especially connected to the goddess Amaterasu, the chief Shinto deity of the sun and the universe. Her shrines were decorated with red to pay homage to her power over the rising sun. Red also came to symbolize life force, blood, and fertility.

During the Asuka period (592-710 AD), when Buddhism was first introduced to Japan from China and Korea, red became associated with Buddhism as well. Red was used to paint the gates and pillars of Buddhist temples. It represents the realm of passion, one of the six realms of samsara in Buddhism.

In the Heian period (794-1185 AD), the Japanese aristocracy wore multiple layers of colorful kimonos, with red often being the innermost layer. This practice started as a way to appease kami spirits, who were believed to be attracted to the vibrance of red.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), firemen in Edo (old Tokyo) wore red livery coats called tsurubantare. This distinguished them as protectors of the city. The vivid red color was chosen so they could be seen clearly against the charred rubble of burned buildings.

Red in Shintoism

In Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, red is the most sacred color. It represents life, vitality, passion, and fertility. Amaterasu, the chief kami (Shinto deity), is strongly associated with the color red.

All Shinto shrines have red torii gates at their entrances. These mark the transition from the mundane to the sacred. The most famous torii is the vermilion gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine in Kyoto, which has thousands of vivid red gates winding through its paths.

Another important Shinto symbol is the red ema plaque. These wooden plaques are sold at shrines and decorated with prayers or wishes, then displayed at the shrine. The vibrant red color attracts the kami said to reside within the shrines.

Many kagura dances performed at Shinto shrines tell stories of the kami. The dancers wear red costumes, like the legendary red ochre pigment worn by Amaterasu.

Red in Japanese Buddhism

Red is also connected to Buddhism in Japan. While less universally sacred than in Shinto, red represents certain important Buddhist deities, realms, and practices.

The Wisdom King Fudo Myo-o is typically depicted with a fierce red face. In Esoteric Buddhism, Fudo Myo-o’s power is called upon for purification and protection. Red bibs are sometimes worn by babies for this protective purpose.

Red is the color of the third and uppermost precincts at Mount Koya, the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism. Here, the most sacred spaces use red decoratively to guide monks and pilgrims.

The Buddhist realm of passion is also represented by red. Passion in this context refers to dynamic action more than human emotion. Red reminds monks that passion must be properly harnessed in order to achieve enlightenment.

Lucky Red in Folklore

Beyond religion, red appears across Japanese folklore as well. It is a lucky color associated with health, life, and fertility.

A common good luck charm is the red Daruma doll. These round papier-mâché dolls represent Bodhidharma, founder of Zen Buddhism. People paint one eye in when making a wish, then paint the other when their wish comes true.

New babies are often dressed in red bibs and red and white outfits. This protects them from evil spirits who may want to harm them. Red is also thought to help babies absorb yang energy.

The Japanese flag, hinomaru, has a red sun against a white background. This represents the rising sun and Japan itself. The red circle exemplifies the burning passion and energy of the nation.

Athletes also leverage the lucky power of red to help them perform their best. During competitions, fans will wave red flags and banners to cheer them on.

Red in Geisha Culture

Vibrant red makeup defines the look of traditional geisha. Their thick red lipstick and red accents around the eyes and edges of the hairline provide a beautiful pop of color.

While geisha makeup follows aesthetic artistic principles, the choice of red is no accident. Geisha paint their faces white to appear featureless and somber in their professional roles. The red offsets this, adding flair and sex appeal.

Modern geisha maintain the red accents in homage to their origins. Their painted faces connect them to the rich artistic and cultural history of their profession.

Red in Interior Design

Interior design preferences in Japan lean toward muted and earthy tones. Reds are used as thoughtful accents to create visual interest against neutral backgrounds. Too much red can seem gaudy and inelegant.

Shoji screens and light fixtures may pick up reds and oranges to emanate a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Tableware adds pops of red for festive gatherings.

In alcoves where decorative items are displayed, red is an auspicious color choice. A red vase, candle, or other accent conveys longevity, passion, and life.

Red spider lilies are a popular decorative floral choice. In Buddhism, these autumn blooms represent resurrection and reincarnation.

Red in Anime and Manga

Japanese anime and manga make prolific use of color symbolism as a form of visual shorthand. Red is most commonly associated with passion, power, heroism, determination, and love interests.

Hot-headed shonen protagonists often have red clothing, hair, or other accessories that speak to their fiery personalities. Pinky red hints at romantic feelings.

Heroic or passionate characters may have red eyes. More sinister villain characters can also have red eyes, hinting at their power.

Magical girls transform with bursts of red ribbons and glows of light. This signals their magical girl power manifesting.

Conclusion

Red holds a treasured place in Japanese culture, with meanings that span luck, passion, power, purity, fertility, and more. It appears on sacred Shinto shrines and temples. Red accents on dolls, babies, athletes, and houses ward off evil and usher in good fortune.

Geisha use red symbolically to create an aura of artistry and mystery. Anime uses the color red to visually communicate deeper attributes of their characters.

Understanding red in Japan provides a window into history, folklore, religion, art, and daily life. Pay attention to red accents around you while traveling in Japan to appreciate how color weaves symbolism and meaning into objects and places.

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