日本の曼荼羅 ぬり絵

Japanese Mandala

Coloring Book

Samples & Explanations

All the references are here.

Please use them as coloring samples.

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1. Mt. Fuji Mandala


Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, with an elevation of 3,776 meters. It is an active volcano that straddles Shizuoka and ​Yamanashi prefectures, and its last eruption was the Great Hoei Eruption in 1707. This eruption created the "Hoei Crater" on the ​southeast side of Mt. Fuji, traces of which can still be seen today.


Mt. Fuji is also famous as an object of worship, and many people have climbed it since ancient times. In particular, during the Edo ​period, a faith group called "Fuji-ko" became popular, and many pilgrims aimed for the summit. At the summit is the inner shrine of ​the Sengen Shrine, which is enshrined to calm volcanic activity.


Its beautiful shape is also popular as a subject for artwork, and has been depicted in many ukiyo-e prints, such as Katsushika ​Hokusai's "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" and Utagawa Hiroshige's "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji." In 2013, it was registered as a ​World Cultural Heritage site as an "object of worship and a source of artistic inspiration."


Mount Fuji's seasonal changes are also fascinating, with cherry blossoms in the spring, mountain climbing in the summer, autumn ​leaves in the fall, and snow-covered mountains in the winter - each season shows a different face, attracting many tourists.


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2. Sakura Mandala


Cherry blossoms are a flower that symbolizes spring in Japan, and the most popular is the Somei-Yoshino. Somei-Yoshino was ​cultivated in Somei-mura, Tokyo (present-day Toshima Ward) at the end of the Edo period and spread throughout Japan. This variety ​blooms before the leaves, so you can enjoy a spectacular view, but it has a short lifespan of 60 to 80 years.


Cherry blossoms have been rooted in Japanese culture since ancient times, and "hanami" (flower viewing) was held among aristocrats ​during the Nara period, and they also appear frequently in waka poetry and stories from the Heian period. Cherry blossoms are ​considered a symbol of "transience," and their falling appearance expresses the Japanese aesthetic sense of "mono no aware."


There are over 600 types of cherry blossoms, and each region has its own unique charm, such as double cherry blossoms, weeping ​cherry blossoms, and mountain cherry blossoms. In addition, in the Japanese archipelago, cherry blossoms begin to bloom in January ​in Okinawa and in May in Hokkaido, so the northward movement of the cherry blossom front is a hot topic.


Furthermore, cherry blossoms are also popular outside of Japan, and cherry trees donated by Japan are planted in Washington D.C., ​USA, where a "Cherry Blossom Festival" is held every year. Cherry blossoms are loved by people all over the world as a symbol of ​Japanese culture.

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3. Japanese Pattern Mandala


Japanese patterns are a general term for traditional Japanese patterns and designs, and are characterized by the fact that many of ​them are inspired by nature and life. Representative patterns include the hemp leaf pattern, the hexagonal pattern, the arrow pattern, ​and the shippo pattern. The hemp leaf pattern is used as a pattern to wish for the healthy growth of children because of the fast ​growth of hemp, and the hexagonal pattern imitates a turtle shell and is a symbol of longevity and good fortune. The arrow pattern is ​based on the motif of an arrow feather, and is said to be a pattern that represents wishes for the future because "an arrow moves ​straight."


Japanese patterns also spread from the aristocratic culture of the Heian period and have been incorporated into kimonos, folding ​screens, and furniture decorations. In the Edo period, they spread to the lives of ordinary people and became an important design ​element that colored the townspeople's culture. In modern times, they are also used in fashion and interior design, and play an ​important role in spreading Japanese aesthetics to the world.


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4. Ukiyo-e Mandala


Ukiyo-e is a type of woodblock print unique to Japan that developed during the Edo period and played an important role in coloring ​the entertainment and culture of the common people. "Ukiyo" means "the present world" and became popular because it depicted the ​trends, customs, and famous places of the time. In the early days, "sumizuri-e" (sumi-zuri-e) in a single color of ink was the norm, but ​in the mid-18th century, multi-colored "nishiki-e" (colored woodblock prints) appeared and became characterized by vivid colors.


Ukiyo-e subjects include portraits of beautiful women, actors, famous places, and landscapes. In particular, Katsushika Hokusai's ​"Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" and Utagawa Hiroshige's "Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido" are highly regarded overseas and are ​considered representative works of Japanese art. Ukiyo-e also had a great influence on Western impressionist painters, and its ​influence can be seen in the works of Van Gogh and Monet.


During the Edo period, ukiyo-e was sold at an affordable price and was a popular product that even common people could purchase. ​At the same time, because they could be mass-produced using woodblocks, they also played an important role as a means of ​disseminating information and culture. Ukiyo-e is still loved around the world today as a symbol of Japanese art and culture.


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5. Tea Ceremony Mandala


Tea ceremony is a traditional culture unique to Japan, and is an art that reflects the spirit of "wabi-sabi." Murata Juko created the ​prototype of the tea ceremony during the Muromachi period, and Sen no Rikyu perfected "wabi-cha" (traditional Japanese tea ​ceremony) during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Rikyu's philosophy is called "wakeiseijaku" (harmony, respect, purity, tranquility), ​and has been passed down to the present day as the basic spirit of tea ceremony.


The tools used in tea ceremony and their arrangement are also imbued with deep meaning. Each tool, such as the tea bowl, tea ​whisk, and ladle, combines functionality and beauty. In addition, the design of the tea room, hanging scrolls, and flower vases reflect ​the seasonal feeling and harmony with nature at each moment in tea ceremony.


In tea ceremony, while guests are entertained through the tea ceremony, the drinker is also expected to have courtesy and gratitude. ​This interaction is considered to be an experience that cultivates a richness of the heart that goes beyond the simple act of "drinking."


In addition, the world of tea ceremony values ​​the spirit of "ichigo ichie," which means "cherishing a once-in-a-lifetime encounter," and ​teaches us that the time we spend at a tea ceremony is special. Tea ceremony is a traditional culture that embodies Japan's aesthetic ​sense and philosophy.


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6. Four Seasons Mandala


Japan is known as the "Land of Four Seasons," with clear transitions between spring, summer, autumn, and winter, and each season ​has its own unique natural environment and culture. These seasonal changes have a profound influence on the lives and aesthetic ​sense of the Japanese people.


The seasonal changes in nature are incorporated into traditional Japanese events and customs, such as cherry blossoms and plum ​blossoms in spring, lush greenery and fireworks in summer, autumn leaves and harvests in autumn, and snowy scenery and ​preparations for the new year in winter. In addition, "seasonal words" that express the scenery of each season are an essential element ​of haiku and waka poetry, and have enriched Japanese literature and art.


Furthermore, the change of the seasons is reflected in Japanese cuisine. There is a deep-rooted culture of valuing seasonal ingredients, ​such as bamboo shoots in spring, sweetfish in summer, matsutake mushrooms in autumn, and hot pot dishes in winter. Savoring this ​"sense of the seasons" is an important moment for the Japanese to feel in harmony with nature.


The distinct four seasons in Japan, along with regional differences from north to south, offer a variety of ways to enjoy them. In this ​way, the four seasons are a core element of Japanese culture and continue to have a profound influence on the sensibilities and lives ​of the Japanese people.

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7. Shrine Mandala


Shrines are the center of Japanese Shintoism, and are sacred places where nature and gods are worshipped. The gods enshrined in ​shrines are called "Yaoyorozu no Kami" (eight million gods), and all beings that reside in nature are the object of worship. For ​example, a wide variety of gods are worshiped, such as the gods of the mountains, the gods of the sea, and the gods of agriculture.


One of the symbolic elements of shrines is the torii gate. The torii gate separates the sacred realm from the secular world, and it is ​said that passing under it purifies the mind and body. Shrines also have structures such as the approach to the shrine, the chozuya ​(purification fountain), the worship hall, and the main hall, each of which has its own meaning. At the chozuya, you can purify your ​mind and body by purifying your hands and mouth before worshiping.


Shrines are also important as places for seasonal events and festivals, and many people visit them for New Year's first visit to the ​shrine and summer festivals. Additionally, the customs of visiting shrines, such as writing "omikuji" (fortune slips) and "votive ​plaques" (votive plaques), are also unique to the culture of shrines and are popular ways of conveying wishes and gratitude to the ​gods.


There are approximately 80,000 shrines throughout Japan, each with its own unique history and beliefs. As a symbol of the spiritual ​culture of the Japanese people, shrines have been deeply rooted in people's lives from ancient times to the present day.

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8. Hot Spring Mandala


There are more than 3,000 hot springs in Japan, with over 27,000 hot springs. Due to their abundance, Japan is also known as the ​"hot spring powerhouse," and they have been loved as places of health and healing since ancient times. Hot springs are groundwater ​heated by geothermal heat from volcanic activity, and each region has different ingredients and effects.


The effects of hot springs vary depending on the ingredients. For example, sulfur springs are said to have a strong bactericidal effect ​and condition the skin, while carbonated springs promote blood circulation and are said to be effective in relieving neuralgia and ​muscle pain. In addition, drinking hot spring water, known as "drinkable spring water," can also be expected to have an effect on ​regulating the stomach and intestines.


Japan's hot spring culture began with the use of hot springs for medical purposes, known as "touji," and spread as entertainment for ​the common people during the Edo period. In addition, hot spring areas also have many specialties such as "hot spring buns" and ​"dishes made with local ingredients," which are a major attraction for tourism.


Furthermore, variations such as "open-air baths" and "foot baths" are also popular, and hot springs are not just a place to bathe, but a ​symbol of relaxation and spiritual healing for the Japanese. Hot springs, which can be enjoyed together with nature throughout the ​four seasons, are an essential element in talking about Japanese culture.


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9. Fireworks Mandala


Fireworks were introduced from China along with guns in the 16th century and evolved in Japan in a unique way. In the Edo ​period, they became popular as entertainment for the common people, and the first fireworks festival in Japan was held at the ​Ryogoku River Opening on the Sumida River. This tradition is still carried on today as the Sumida River Fireworks Festival.


There are two types of fireworks: trick fireworks and launch fireworks. The balls of launch fireworks are handmade one by one by ​craftsmen. Large balls with a diameter of 30 cm or more are called "shakudama" and captivate spectators by blooming beautiful large ​flowers in the night sky.


The colors of fireworks are created by chemical reactions of metal salts. For example, red is strontium, blue is copper, and green is ​barium, and a wide variety of colors are expressed depending on the ingredients used. Japan is considered to be the world's top class ​in this technology, and it is characterized by a soft and delicate light called "wabi".


Fireworks are also known for chants such as "tamaya" and "kagiya". This name comes from the shop name of a fireworks maker who ​was popular during the Edo period, and tells of the popularity of fireworks festivals at that time. Japanese fireworks are a seasonal ​feature of summer that combine traditional techniques and art.


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10. Washoku Mandala


Washoku was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, and is a food culture that Japan is proud of around the ​world. Its characteristics are the use of ingredients that reflect the four seasons, their beautiful appearance, and their healthy balance. ​By valuing seasonal ingredients, you can enjoy a sense of the seasons, such as wild vegetables in spring, sweetfish and watermelon in ​summer, matsutake mushrooms in autumn, and hot pot dishes in winter.


Washoku also has a basic structure of "ichiju sansai" (one soup and three dishes). This consists of rice, soup, a main dish, and two ​side dishes, and allows you to enjoy a variety of flavors while maintaining a balanced nutritional intake. In addition, not only the ​dishes but also the presentation and dishes are carefully designed, making it visually beautiful.


"Dashi" (soup stock) is essential to washoku. Dashi stock made from kelp, bonito flakes, dried sardines, etc. is the source of umami ​and creates the delicate flavor unique to washoku. This umami flavor has been gaining attention worldwide as the fifth taste after ​sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.


Washoku is loved both in Japan and overseas as a food culture that is not just about tasting it, but also about enjoying the beauty ​and seasonal feel of the food.

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11. Animal Mandala (Japan)


In Japan, the crane is a symbol of longevity and good fortune, and has been used for celebrations and other auspicious occasions ​since ancient times. As the saying goes, "cranes live for a thousand years," cranes are considered a symbol of longevity. Cranes are ​also known as symbols of marital harmony and bonds, as they are said to spend their entire lives with the same partner.


Foxes are important in Japanese myths and legends, and are especially enshrined at Inari Shrine as messengers of the god Inari. ​Foxes are sacred animals that protect agriculture, but there are also many stories of them transforming into monsters, making them ​two-sided creatures. In addition, the name Inari sushi is derived from the legend that foxes love fried tofu.


Nishikigoi are indispensable in Japanese gardens and ponds, and are characterized by their colorful patterns. Nishikigoi are also called ​"swimming jewels" and are considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity. In particular, carp with red and white patterns are ​considered to be auspicious, and are very popular both in Japan and overseas.


Deer are famous as the symbol of Nara Park and have been considered messengers of the gods since ancient times. At Kasuga Taisha ​Shrine, deer are believed to be messengers of the gods and are protected. Nara's deer have become accustomed to people and ​entertain tourists by bowing to them.


These animals are deeply rooted in Japanese nature and culture and are rich in symbolism.

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12. Kimono Mandala


Kimono is a traditional Japanese costume that was once widely worn as everyday clothing, but is now often worn on special ​occasions. There are many types and uses of kimono, such as "furisode," "tomesode," "houmongi," and "komon," and there is a way to ​wear them for each occasion. Furisode in particular is known as the first formal wear for unmarried women, and its long sleeves ​enhance its splendor.


The patterns and colors of kimono are imbued with a sense of the season and wishes. For example, nature is expressed in each ​season, such as cherry blossoms and plum blossoms in spring, morning glories and running water in summer, autumn leaves in ​autumn, and snow and pine trees in winter. In addition, auspicious patterns such as "cranes" and "tortoiseshell patterns" are often ​used, and the kimono itself can be said to be a symbol of Japanese culture.


When wearing a kimono, the "obi" (belt) plays an important role. There are various ways to tie the obi, such as "bunko musubi" (a ​traditional Japanese kimono with a long sleeve) and "otaiko musubi" (a traditional Japanese kimono with a long sleeve). In addition, ​the colors and patterns of the lining and collar have been carefully designed, and aesthetic sense has been incorporated into every ​detail.

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