10 Most Important Japanese Symbols And Their Meanings

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Symbols help bind a nation together by reminding its people of their history and traditions.

In Japan, a country rich in culture and principles, symbols and elements of nature are frequently seen in its art and are an essential part of their literature.

Although most of what we know about Japan comes from manga and anime, it will be useful to learn about the colorful culture and rich history of this truly interesting country through their symbols.

10 Most Important Japanese Symbols And Their Meanings

Here is a list of some of the most important Japanese symbols:

1.  Mon – Japanese Crests

The majority of Japanese families have a mon, an emblem used by the Japanese people to identify a family or an institution. This symbol may have originated as fabric patterns used as clothing design to decorate individuals.

There is no set rules in the design of the Japanese crests, but the whole idea is to distingush individuals or signify membership of a specific family or a particular organization. These crests are also added to flags, arms, and Samurai armor.

One popular mon is the chrysanthemum crest of the Emperor. You can also see these crests in the roof tiles of surviving samurai houses.

2. Ryu – Japanese Dragon

You may often see Japanese dragons in manga and anime. These mythical creatures are a huge part of the country’s culture.

The style of the dragon was heavily influenced by the Chinese dragon, but some authors differentiate Japanese (ryu) and Chinese (long) dragons by the number of claws on their feet, ryu having three claws, and long four or five.

You will see the Japanese dragon symbol mostly in Shinto shrines and some Buddhist temples, as well as in Yakuza art.

3. Tsuru – Japanese Crane

The tsuru is a sacred bird, Japan’s symbol of happiness, fidelity, and longevity. It is also meant to indicate eternal happiness of newlyweds. This majestic crane is said to live 1,000 years.

The tsuru symbol is often encountered in the form of figurines and the Japanese art form, origami. The tsuru is, in fact, one of the most popular origami figures, with its beautiful long neck and legs. There is even a Japanese legend that says that anyone who folds a thousand origami tsuru will receive this bird’s wish.

4. Koi – Japanese Fish

The koi is the Japanese symbol for bravery. These fish are said to be so brave, that if caught, they do not shiver in fear while lying on a cutting board, waiting to be chopped off. They have been compared to brave warriors when faced with a sword. These fish are also known to swim against the current and through many obstacles.

The Japanese people hold the koi symbol in deep respect because of the many precious qualities this Japanese fish possesses — strength, courage, patience, and success through perseverance.

5. Enso

Enso simply means “circle,” or “circle of togetherness.” It is a spiritual symbol that possesses a deep meaning in Japan — emptiness and the universe.

The idea of this symbol is to understand the universe and whatever substance or emptiness it holds.

The enso circle is drawn with only one stroke. This means that there is no possibility to modify it. Its beauty lies in the acceptance of its imperfection. What this symbol teaches is that enlightenment is about embracing who we truly are and being satisfied.

In Japan, wearing this symbol as an accessory, or carrying them as a charm, reminds one that he already has everything he needs to move towards his goal, and that there is beauty in all that is imperfect.

6. Namakubi

You needn’t have have lived in Japan to recognize this gory tattoo — the severed head. You often see it in animes and other Japanese forms of art; it’s quite a striking sight to behold.

The namakubi, which roughly translates to “freshly severed head,” is a symbol of acceptance of one’s fate with honor and dignity. This symbol has its roots in the warrior class of feudal Japan.

The namakubi symbol is an immensely popular choice of tattoo design all over the world despite its gruesome appearance because admittingly it holds a more romantic take on the impermanence of life.

7.  Hou-Ou

The hou-ou, or the Japanese phoenix, has a bird’s beak, a swallow’s jaw, and a snake’s neck.

This regal creature is Japan’s symbol of virtue, grace and imperial household, particularly the empress. Legend has it that the hou-ou appears very rarely, and only to mark the beginning of a new era. It can be a symbol for both peace (when the bird appears) and disharmony (when the bird disappears).

This mythical bird originated in China, and is thought to have been introduced to Japan in the mid-6th to mid-7th century AD, becoming a popular decorative motif used on items like textiles, mirrors, chests, and lacquerware.

8. Daruma

The daruma is a one-eyed Japanese doll that wobbles when touched, but never really falls over and quickly regains its balance, returning to its original position.

This feature embodies the essence of the famous Japanese proverb— fall down seven times and stand up eight. The daruma doll is the Japanese symbol of perseverance, a constant reminder of one’s goals.

The daruma doll, which is modeled after the Buddhist monk Daruma, the founder of the Zen sect 1,500 years ago, is bought when a Japanese is preparing to make a wish. If his wish is fulfilled, he will then paint a color of his choice on the missing eye, as a symbol of gratitude.

There may even be a ceremony held after the fulfillment of a wish, which involves burning of the doll. A new, bigger daruma is bought afterwards so that more of their wishes may be fulfilled.

9. Bonsai

This thousand-year-old Japanese art was inspired by the Chinese, and throughout this time, the bonsai tree symbolism and meanings have evolved.

It started out as a symbol among the elite of society. Today, bonsai trees are seen in Japan as a symbol of strength, longevity, and knowledge.

There are actually many varied representations of the bonsai, with an individual tree having its own symbolism. Some of the more common symbolism and meaning also include wealth, harmony, and balance.

A bonsai tree is a miniature version of a full-sized tree that has been grown to make it appear like a full-sized tree. Bonsai trees are normally grown in shallow ceramic pots. The Japanese word bonsai actually translates to “tree in a pot.”

10. Geisha

In Japanese, the geisha denotes a woman with artistic skills, literally translating to “art person.” Among the talents and skills of a geisha are singing, dancing, and playing an instrument called the samisen. Most geisha are also experts at flower arranging, performing the tea ceremony, and calligraphy.

These women are highly respected because they spend years training to learn all those skills.

The geisha has somewhat garnered a tinge of ill repute in Japanese history, as their main role in society — which is to provide entertainment and companionship — is somehow tarnished by the fact that they sometimes maintained sexual relationships with their clients.

But geisha women, in general, remain greatly esteemed in Japanese culture as they symbolize beauty and mystery.

The geisha symbol represents feminine power and intrigue.