Bamboo in Japanese culture

Bamboo is a very strong plant, which, due to its solid root structure, has been a symbol of prosperity in Japan since ancient times. For years, it was said to run to the bamboo forests in the event of an earthquake, because the strong root structure of the bamboo would hold the earth together. Simple and unadorned, bamboo is also a symbol of purity and innocence. “Take o watta youna hito” literally translates to “a man like fresh bamboo” and refers to a man of a frank nature.

Bamboo appears in many ancient tales. “Taketori Monogatari (Tale of the Bamboo Cutter)”, also known as ” kaguya-hime (Princess Kaguya)”, is the oldest narrative literature in kana script and one of Japan’s most beloved stories. The story is about Kaguya-hime, who is inside a bamboo stalk. An old man and an old woman raise her and she grows into a beautiful woman. Although many young men propose to her, she never marries. Eventually, on a night when the moon is full, he returns to the moon, as it was his birthplace.

Bamboo and sasa (bamboo grass) are used in many festivals to ward off evil. On Tanabata (July 7), people write their wishes on multi-colored strips of paper and hang them in sasa. 

bamboo meaning

“Take ni ki o tsugu” (joining bamboo and wood) is synonymous with disharmony. “Yabuisha” (“yabu” being bamboo groves and “isha” being a doctor) refers to an incompetent doctor (charlatan). Although its origin is unclear, it is probably because just as bamboo leaves rustle in the slightest breeze, an incompetent doctor makes a big fuss with even the slightest illness. “Yabuhebi” (“hebi” is a snake) means getting bad luck from an unnecessary act. It comes from the probability that moving the bamboo will cause a snake to come out. It is an expression similar to “let the dogs sleep without disturbing them”.

Bamboo is found throughout Japan because the hot and humid climate is well suited to its cultivation. It is frequently used in construction and crafts. The hakuhachi is a wind instrument made of bamboo. Bamboo shoots (takenoko) have also long been used in Japanese cuisine.

Pine, bamboo, and plum (sho-chiku-bai) are an auspicious combination that symbolizes long life, stamina, and vitality. The pine represents longevity and resistance, the bamboo flexibility and strength, and the plum represents a youthful spirit. This trio is often used by restaurants as a name for the three levels of quality (and price) of their offerings. It is used instead of directly indicating quality or price (eg the highest quality would be pine). Sho-chiku-bai is also used for the name of a brand of sake (Japanese alcohol).