Japanese Symbols

Japanese Symbols posts collect short pieces on signs and motifs that appear in art, family crests, flags and tattoos. Articles look at the imperial chrysanthemum and the Tokugawa hollyhock, the cherry blossom and its association with the brief life of a samurai, the koi carp climbing a waterfall as a sign of perseverance, the daruma doll with one eye painted in for a wish, the maneki-neko beckoning cat and the kanji for love, peace and family that show up in souvenir shop displays. The pieces try to explain origin and not just decoration.