日本の花 ぬり絵

Japanese Flowers

coloring book

Samples & Explanations

All the references are here.

Please use them as coloring samples.

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Cherry blossoms

(Sakura)


Cherry blossoms are a symbol of Japan and belong to the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae. There are about ​600 species throughout Japan, with representative varieties including Somei-Yoshino, Yamazakura, and ​Shidarezakura. The flowering season varies by region and variety, but generally, they are best viewed from March ​to April, when the cherry blossom front moves from south to north. The transience of cherry blossoms ​symbolizes the Japanese "sense of impermanence," and the beauty of the falling blossoms fascinates people. ​Historically, the culture of "hanami" (flower viewing) began in the Nara period and spread to the common people ​in the Edo period. Cherry trees are used as materials for furniture, musical instruments, and Japanese sweets, and ​their flowers and leaves are also attracting attention as health foods with antioxidant properties. In addition, ​Yamataka Jindai Sakura in Yamanashi Prefecture is said to be 2,000 years old and is known as the oldest cherry ​blossom in the world. Night cherry blossom viewing and illuminations are also popular, and cherry blossoms are ​loved both at home and abroad as a symbol of Japanese culture.

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Rape blossoms

(Nanohana)


Rape blossoms are a plant of the Brassicaceae family and are one of the flowers that symbolize spring. ​They are native to the Mediterranean coast and were introduced to Japan during the Nara period. The ​yellow flowers bloom from March to May and can be enjoyed all over the country. Rape blossoms are ​also popular as food, and the young stems and buds are used as "rapeseed flowers" in boiled greens and ​tempura, and are characterized by their bitter flavor. In addition, rapeseed oil extracted from the seeds was ​valued in the past for lighting and cooking oil.


Furthermore, rapeseed flowers are also used for environmental conservation and tourism. They have the ​power to purify soil, and are used to regenerate abandoned farmland. In tourist areas, the "Rape Blossom ​Festival" is held on the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture and Tsunan Town in Niigata Prefecture, and ​the vast yellow flower fields attract visitors. The waste produced during the rapeseed oil production process ​is reused as fertilizer and feed, and it also plays a part in circular agriculture. Rape blossoms are deeply ​rooted in Japanese life as a seasonal feature that heralds the arrival of spring.

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Hydrangea

(Azisai)


Hydrangea (Ajisai) is a plant of the Hydrangeaceae family and is a representative rainy season flower in ​Japan. It is native to Japan and its scientific name is Hydrangea macrophylla. It is in full bloom from ​June to July and is often seen in gardens and temples. The color of the characteristic flower changes ​depending on the acidity of the soil, blue in acidic soil and reddish in alkaline soil. Because of this ​property, it is also called "Seven Changes" and is popular as a flower that can be enjoyed for its changes. ​Representative varieties include "Gaku Hydrangea" and "Western Hydrangea".


Hydrangeas are important not only for their beauty but also as cultural symbols. In Japan, Meigetsu-in ​Temple in Kamakura and Mimuroto-ji Temple in Kyoto are famous viewing spots and are visited by many ​tourists. In addition, the language of flowers varies depending on the color and state, and has special ​meanings such as "fickleness" and "patient love". In addition, hydrangeas contain antioxidants, and their use ​for beauty and health has also attracted attention. Hydrangeas, which become even more beautiful when ​wet with rain and add color to the rainy season, are an essential part of Japanese culture.

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Sunflower

(Himawari)


Sunflowers are annual plants of the Asteraceae family, and their scientific name is Helianthus ​annuus. Native to North America, they were introduced to Europe in the 16th century and then to ​Japan. They are known as flowers that symbolize summer, and are in full bloom from July to ​August. They reach a height of 1 to 3 meters, and are characterized by their large yellow flowers ​that bloom toward the sun. However, in reality, only young plants in the growing stage follow the ​sun during the day, and after flowering, they face a certain direction.


Sunflowers are not only ornamental, but also play an important role in food and industrial ​applications. The seeds are used as a raw material for sunflower oil, which is processed into food, ​cosmetics, and biofuel. The seeds are also highly nutritious and are popular as snacks and salad ​toppings. Sunflower fields are also attracting attention as a tourist resource, and vast fields have ​become tourist attractions in Hokuryu Town in Hokkaido and Sayo Town in Hyogo Prefecture. ​Furthermore, sunflowers have the ability to absorb heavy metals from the soil and are used for ​environmental purification, contributing to people's lives in many ways.

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Morning glory

(Asagao)


Morning glory (Ipomoea nil) is an annual plant of the Ipomoea genus in the Convolvulaceae family. Its ​scientific name is Ipomoea nil. It is native to tropical Asia, and was introduced to Japan from China as a ​medicinal herb during the Nara period, after which its cultivation as an ornamental plant spread. It blooms ​from July to September, and is a familiar sight in the summer. It blooms early in the morning and ​withers before noon, and its cool color and transience are loved by Japanese people. It comes in colors ​such as blue, purple, and pink, and many varieties were created, especially during the Edo period, and ​cultural events such as the Morning Glory Market developed.


Morning glory also has unique characteristics. Its seeds contain medicinal ingredients and were used as a ​laxative in the past. It is also often cultivated as a "green curtain" using its vines, and is attracting ​attention as a measure to save energy in the summer. In addition, the flower's nature of only blooming in ​the morning has given it the flower language of "fleeting love" and "short love." The morning glory display ​associated with the Iriya Morning Glory Market in Tokyo and the Gion Festival in Kyoto are famous ​traditional Japanese events. Morning glories are a flower that is deeply rooted in people's lives not only ​for their beauty but also for their cultural and practical uses.

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lily

(Yuri)


Lilies are perennial plants of the genus Lilium in the family Liliaceae, and their scientific name is Lilium. ​About 100 species grow wild in the northern hemisphere, and about 15 species are distributed in Japan. ​Representative varieties include trumpet lilies, Casablanca lilies, and mountain lilies. The flowering season ​of lilies varies depending on the type, but generally it is from June to August, and they are characterized ​by their elegant appearance and sweet fragrance. Lilies have been cultivated for a long time as ​ornamental flowers, and are also popular as cut flowers. The bulbs are also used for food and medicine, ​and are considered to be effective in nourishing and strengthening the body, especially in China.


Lilies have many unique characteristics. First of all, the shape and color of the flowers are very diverse, ​and in addition to white, pink, orange, and other colors, there are also species with spotted patterns. The ​scent is also used as an ingredient in perfumes, and they are known as an item that symbolizes luxury. ​In Japan, lilies are also considered to be a flower that symbolizes "purity" and "innocence," and are ​widely used at weddings and funerals. Meanwhile, in the West, lilies have come to symbolize "dignity" ​and "resurrection," and have also been used as religious motifs. Furthermore, Hokkaido's "lily roots" are ​used as an ingredient in fine cuisine, and are loved for purposes other than ornamental purposes. With ​their beauty and diverse charms, lilies are deeply rooted in people's cultures and lives.

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Ichrysanthemum

(Kiku)


Chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum) is a plant of the Asteraceae family, and its scientific name is ​Chrysanthemum morifolium. It is native to China, was introduced to Japan during the Nara period, and ​became popular among aristocrats as an ornamental flower during the Heian period. It is a typical autumn ​flower that blooms from September to November, and is considered a symbol of the Imperial family in ​Japan, and is used in the Imperial family crest. In addition, the Double Ninth Festival (September 9th), ​also known as the "Chrysanthemum Festival," has been a popular event to admire chrysanthemums since ​ancient times.


Chrysanthemums are not only beautiful, but also highly practical. In addition to being ornamental, they are ​used as edible chrysanthemums in cooking, and the food culture has developed especially in Niigata and ​Yamagata. As a medicine, chrysanthemum flowers have antioxidant properties and are said to be effective ​in recovering from fatigue and preventing colds. Furthermore, chrysanthemums are considered a symbol of ​longevity and immortality, and are also used as Buddhist flowers. At chrysanthemum exhibitions held all ​over Japan, artistically arranged chrysanthemums are displayed, attracting many tourists.

The chrysanthemum is a special flower that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

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cluster amaryllis

(Higanbana)


The red spider lily (Higanbana) is a perennial plant of the Amaryllidaceae family, and its scientific name is ​Lycoris radiata. It is native to China and was introduced to Japan during the Heian period. It is called ​"Higanbana" because it blooms bright red flowers around the autumn equinox in September. It has the ​characteristic that it has no leaves when the flowers bloom and leaves appear after the flowers have ​finished blooming, and it is also said that it is "not to see the leaves or flowers". It is often seen in ​cemeteries and on the banks of rice fields, so it has a deep connection with Buddhism and the dead, and ​it also has another name of Buddhist origin, "Manjushage".


The red spider lily also has unique characteristics. Its poisonous bulbs were planted on the banks of rice ​fields in the past to ward off pests and moles. On the other hand, due to its beautiful appearance, it is ​cultivated for ornamental purposes in various places, and the sight of it blooming all over the place has ​become a tourist attraction in places such as Kinchakuda in Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture. The flower's ​meanings include "passion" and "sad memories", which are derived from the color of the red flowers and ​the places where they bloom. The red spider lily continues to fascinate people with its beauty and

unique presence.

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Autumn Cherry Blossoms

(Kosumosu)


Cosmos is an annual plant of the Asteraceae family, and its scientific name is Cosmos bipinnatus. It is native ​to Mexico and was introduced to Japan during the Meiji period. It is in full bloom from September to ​October, and its bright pink, white, and red flowers color the autumn landscape. The name "autumn cherry" is ​said to have been given because its petals resemble cherry blossoms and bloom in autumn. It is relatively ​hardy and easy to grow, and is widely planted in gardens and parks for ornamental purposes.


Cosmos also has unique characteristics. In particular, the way it sways in the wind gives it an "autumn ​atmosphere," so it is often used as a subject for poetry and music. In addition, with the progress of breeding, ​yellow and orange "yellow cosmos" and double-flowered varieties are also popular. In addition, it is used as a ​green manure and nectar source plant because it produces abundant seeds. Cosmos fields have become tourist ​spots all over Japan, and famous ones include "Ukiha City" in Fukuoka Prefecture and "Sodegaura Park" in ​Chiba Prefecture. Kosakuzakura flowers are loved by many people for their delicate beauty and seasonal ​feeling.

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camellia

(Tsubaki)


Camellia (Tsubaki) is an evergreen tree of the family Theaceae, Camellia genus, and its scientific name is ​Camellia japonica. It grows wild in Japan, China, and Korea, and has long been popular as a garden tree and tea ​flower in Japan. It is characterized by beautiful red, white, and pink flowers that bloom from winter to spring. Its ​leaves are shiny, and camellia oil extracted from its seeds has long been used to care for hair and skin. Because ​the flowers fall all at once, they are also considered a symbol of "purity."


Camellias have a unique cultural background. They were loved by aristocrats during the Heian period and were ​used as a subject for waka poetry and paintings. Many varieties were also created during the Edo period, and ​approximately 3,000 species have been identified today. Famous sights include the "Camellia Festival" on Izu ​Oshima Island and the camellia colonies on the Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture. The flower language of ​camellias is "modest beauty" and "unpretentious elegance," and they are loved by many people as a flower that ​symbolizes beauty in harmony with the four seasons of Japan.

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Camellia

(Sazanka)


Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen tree of the Theaceae family, and its scientific name is Camellia ​sasanqua. It is native to Japan and is popular as a flower that blooms from autumn to winter. It has red, ​white, and pink flowers, and is similar to camellias, but its characteristic is that the petals fall one by one. ​It is widely planted as a garden tree or hedge, and is popular in homes because it is cold-resistant and ​easy to grow. In addition, its leaves and branches are closely related to the tea plant, and its seeds ​produce camellia oil, which is used for food and cosmetics.


Camellia sasanqua also has unique characteristics. In particular, its fragrance has made it a valuable "tea ​flower," and it has been used in teahouses and Japanese-style gardens. The flower's meanings are ​"overcoming difficulties" and "single-minded love," and come from its appearance blooming in the cold. ​Furthermore, as sung in the children's song "Takibi," it is deeply rooted in Japanese life as a winter ​feature. The Flower Garden in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and Mimuroto Temple in Uji City, ​Kyoto Prefecture are known as famous camellia viewing spots and attract many tourists.

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Plum

(Ume)


Plum trees are deciduous trees of the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae. Their scientific name is ​Prunus mume. Native to China, they were introduced to Japan during the Nara period and became ​popular for both decorative and edible purposes. They flower from February to March, with white and ​pink flowers brightening up early spring. They have a strong fragrance, and the culture of "hanami" (flower ​viewing) began with plums before cherry blossoms. The fruit is edible and is used as pickled plums and ​plum wine, and is expected to have high health benefits, such as fatigue relief and antibacterial properties.


Plums have unique characteristics. Because the flowers bloom during the coldest period of the year, they ​are considered symbols of "patience" and "nobility," and their flower language also has meanings such as ​"loyalty" and "nobility." In addition, at Tenmangu Shrines such as Kitano Tenmangu (Kyoto) and Dazaifu ​Tenmangu (Fukuoka), plums are considered sacred in honor of Sugawara no Michizane, the god of ​learning. Furthermore, "Plum Festivals" are held all over Japan, with the most famous being Kairakuen in ​Ibaraki Prefecture and Yushima Tenmangu Shrine in Tokyo. Plums are loved for both their flowers and ​fruit, and are deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

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