Japanese Flower

Coloring Book 2

Samples & Explanations

All the references are here.

Please use them as coloring samples.

1. Peony (Botan)

The peony, known as the “King of Flowers,” was introduced to Japan ​from China during the Nara period. It symbolizes wealth and happiness ​and is often featured in kimono and folding screen designs. Its roots and ​bark are used in traditional medicine, and it is cherished in Japanese ​gardens as a springtime highlight.

2. Wisteria (Fuji)

Wisteria (Fuji) is a symbolic flower in Japan, even mentioned in the ​Manyoshu poetry collection. It is known for its elegant, cascading clusters ​of purple or white flowers. Often seen in Japanese gardens and shrines, ​wisteria trellises are a beloved spring sight. Due to its strong vitality, it ​also symbolizes “enduring love.”

3. Balloon Flower (Kikyo)

The balloon flower (Kikyo) is one of Japan’s seven autumn flowers and ​has been featured in traditional poetry and family crests. Its star-shaped ​blossoms come in shades of purple and white. Symbolizing sincerity and ​elegance, it was favored by samurai, most notably appearing in the ​family crest of Akechi Mitsuhide.

4. Acorus calamus (Shobu)

The shobu (Acorus calamus) is traditionally used in Japan’s Tango no ​Sekku festival to ward off evil spirits and is closely tied to cultural ​traditions. Unlike hanashobu (Japanese iris) and ayame, it is known for ​its fragrant leaves and medicinal properties. Additionally, its name sounds ​like “shobu” (victory), making it a symbol of good fortune for samurai.

5. Rabbit-Ear Iris (Kakitsubata)

The kakitsubata (rabbit-ear iris) is a beautiful purple flower that thrives ​in Japan’s wetlands and along water edges. It has been celebrated in ​poetry and art since the Heian period, notably appearing in The Tales of ​Ise. Often confused with hanashobu (Japanese iris) and ayame, it is ​distinguished by its white markings at the base of its petals.

6. Lotus (Hasu)

The lotus (Hasu) is a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhism, ​as it blooms beautifully from muddy waters. Commonly seen in Japanese ​temples and gardens, it produces large pink or white flowers in summer. ​Its flowers, seeds, and roots (renkon) are also edible and have been ​valued in Japanese cuisine for centuries.

7. Asiatic Dayflower (Tsuyukusa)

The Asiatic dayflower (Tsuyukusa) is a delicate blue flower that blooms ​from summer to autumn and is also known as “hotarugusa” or “aibana.” ​It opens in the morning and fades by midday, symbolizing transience. ​Featured in traditional Japanese poetry, it evokes a sense of fleeting ​beauty. Its pigments have also been used as a natural dye for centuries.

8. Japanese bush clover (Hagi)

Known as bush clover in Japan, the Japanese bush clover is one of the ​seven autumn herbs.This deciduous shrub produces delicate reddish-​purple or white flowers on thin branches.Its graceful, swaying appearance ​has been celebrated in traditional poetry and haiku as a symbol of the ​arrival of autumn in Japan.

9. Moss Peach （Kokemomo）

Kokemomo, known as kokokemomo in Japan, is an evergreen shrub ​found in high mountains and cold regions.Small white or pale pink ​flowers bloom in summer, and bright red berries appear in autumn. It is ​a representative alpine plant of Japan that is resistant to the cold and is ​often used in jams and juices.

10. Japanese bush clover (Yamabuki)

Known as Yamabuki in Japan, Yamabuki is a deciduous shrub that ​produces bright yellow flowers in spring.They come in a variety of ​blooms, from one-petal to more luxurious two-petal varieties.

Celebrated in traditional poetry, they symbolize grace and elegance in ​Japanese culture.Their delicate leaves and branches add to their appeal, ​making them a popular plant for gardens and natural landscapes.

11. Daffodil （Suisen）

The daffodil, called suisen in Japanese, is a perennial plant that blooms ​with delicate white or yellow flowers from winter to early spring.

With a pleasant fragrance and strong cold hardiness, it grows well in ​gardens and wild landscapes throughout Japan.

As a symbol of purity and hope, it has been celebrated in poetry and art ​for centuries.

12. Snowdrop (Yukiwarisou)

Known as yukiwarisou in Japan, snowdrops are perennial plants that ​bloom from beneath the snow in early spring.They come in a variety of ​colors, including white, pink, and purple, and often grow in mountainous ​regions.Symbolizing perseverance and hope, their delicate yet resilient ​nature heralds the arrival of spring in Japan.