7 Symbols of Japan and their Meaning

There are many symbols in Japan that are an important part of the thought and culture of its society and that are very important to learn and understand when you want to live in it. Today we present you 7 very representative and important symbols in Japan!

The futatsudomoe (二つ巴) is a symbol that uses two swirls. The mitsudomoe (三つ巴) is a common three-swirl or three-magatama design and is seen on Japanese family crests, roof tiles on traditional houses, Shinto shrines, and Buddhist temples. The design can also be found on taiko drums. The mitsudomoe is closely associated with Shinto shrines, particularly those dedicated to Hachiman , the god of war and archery. Hachiman in Shinto cosmology and ritual, is repeatedly connected with the number three. In Shinto thought, this number is taken to represent the three aspects of the four mitama or ‘souls’.

This symbol also refers to water, an association engendered by its swirling pattern. For this reason, it is said that it is located on roofs and pediments of buildings as an amulet against fire.

Since Hachiman was revered as the guardian of warriors , he was adopted by various samurai clans as a common design element in Japanese family crests (家紋, kamon). The mitsudomoe is a visual representation of the cycle of life.

Maneki-neko

The Maneki-neko (招き猫), also known as the lucky cat or fortune cat , is a popular Japanese sculpture that has the symbolism of bringing good luck to its owner. The sculpture represents a cat, specifically of the Japanese bobtail breed, in an attitude of calling and not greeting as most people think .

The Manekineko can often be seen in shops, restaurants and other businesses. This kitten figure raises its left paw inviting people to enter the shops and it carries in its right hand an ancient Japanese coin, called a koban (小判). It usually has a necklace with a bell that is believed to ward off evil spirits, and is usually made of porcelain or ceramic.

Maneki (招き) comes from the verb maneku (招く) which in Japanese means “invite in” or “greet” and neko (猫) means “cat” which literally means “cat that invites in”. According to Japanese tradition, the message transmitted by the cat with the movement of its paw is the following: ” Come in, please. You are welcome. “

Today, there are thousands of versions of the Maneki-Neko : from tall, chubby cats of various colors, to piggy banks or Hello Kitty figurines. Normally the maneki-neko uses the left paw, which is supposed to attract customers, while raising the right paw attracts money and fortune.

You can carry a Koban, that is; an old Japanese coin. The Koban is a talisman to attract good luck. However, the statue carries a small hammer, it symbolizes wealth. If he also moves that hammer or if he wears a jewel, then it means that he will attract riches. You can also carry a Japanese carp, which is a symbol of abundance and good fortune, or a crystal ball, which symbolizes that it will give its owner wisdom.

The most widespread story about the origin of this cat is that one day a feudal lord was hunting and suddenly it started to rain so he took refuge under a tree near a temple. While there he saw a cat that called him with his paw, the feudal lord went to where the kitten was and just at that moment lightning struck the tree where he was before so he understood that the kitten was calling him to save his life .

Chrysanthemum

The chrysanthemum is the symbol of the Imperial Family of Japan and its Imperial Seal bears this flower. It has 16 double petals signifying permanence for many years , long life and rejuvenation . The simple 16-petal chrysanthemum is used for government orders, part of the decoration in Shinto temples, passports and other items that carry or represent the authority of the Emperor.

It is a highly appreciated flower in Japan and contests are held to show the best chrysanthemum flowers, the best cared for, etc. This flower is also a symbol of autumn as it is represented in paintings, images and it is one of the flowers that is also eaten in Japan.

Enso

As its name says (円相) this symbol refers to the beginning and the end of all things , the circle of life and the connection of existence. It can symbolize emptiness or fullness, presence or absence. All things can be contained or, on the contrary, excluded by their limits.

It is a manifestation of the moment so only those who have a mind free of burdens and illuminated by an internal balance are capable of drawing this perfect circle , but never closed… It is painted in a continuous brushstroke, in a single stroke and you only have one chance to plot it. You can’t correct it.

Ensō symbolizes elegance, the universe, a unique thought, the acceptance of imperfection as perfect or what is better known in Japan as Wabi Sabi) This symbol also represents unity of life and all the things it contains within itself.

Folding fan

In addition to serving to cool off, the folding fan is a design that is widely found on fabrics, paintings or traditional accessories in Japan. It symbolizes the journey of life where the bottom part essentially represents birth and the leaves symbolize the many possible paths in life’s journey.

Historically, Japanese fans were tools of the aristocrats and the samurai class. They were a way to show social position and even send messages in poems or images that hid a secret message.

In Japan, fans are given as gifts for a birth or birthday because of its symbolism.

Daruma

The Daruma is a traditional Japanese figure that represents Bodhidharma (Daruma) who was the founder of the Zen tradition of Buddhism.

It has this circular shape because legend has it that Bodhidharma (Daruma) sat in front of a wall to meditate for a period of nine years without moving , which caused his legs and arms to fall off due to atrophy . Another popular legend is that after falling asleep during his nine-year meditation, he became angry with himself and cut off his eyelids to prevent himself from going back to sleep. That is why it is a round figure without eyes.

The symbolism it has is that of achievement, of perseverance. In an ancient tradition that is practiced to this day, when you receive a daruma figure, you must choose a specific goal that you are determined to achieve in the future. Once you have decided on your goal, you paint one of the eyes to show your commitment to the goal. Then, you place the figure in a visible area as a reminder of the task at hand. When you have achieved your goal, you can paint the other eye.

At the end of the year, all the Daruma are taken to the temple where they were purchased for a traditional burning ceremony, which is called ” Dondoyaki ” which usually takes place a few days after the new year has started. All the already “used” figures of Daruma are burned together in the temple in a ceremony with the entrance of the monks and the reading of the sutras.

Sakura flower

Since the Heian period, the cherry blossom has been revered by the Japanese and is closely associated with their philosophy of mono no aware , meaning the transience of life. The flower’s short bloom time and its fragility have always been linked to an association with the transience of life and an appreciation for fleeting beauty.

In ancient times, for the samurai the cherry blossom symbolized blood, but also the fragility and ephemerality of life, associated with sacrifice and the life of the samurai.

It also symbolizes the cycle of transformation of life, that is, a rebirth such as spring and it is also a moment of celebration which is known as Hanami or “appreciation of cherry blossoms”.

Which of these symbols did you not know? Which of these did you already know? Tell us in the comments!