Japanese symbols are a huge and important part of Japanese culture, appearing in traditional sculptures, engravings, and more. Discover the wide range of traditional Japanese symbols and their meanings in Japanese culture in this article.
1. Butterflies – Choho
The first of the Japanese symbols is the butterfly, which means “soul of the living and the dead,” as a result of the popular belief that the spirits of the dead take the form of a butterfly when they are on their journey to the other world and eternal life.
The butterfly is also often used as a Japanese symbol for young girls, as they spread their wings and emerge into womanhood, as well as being believed to symbolize joy and longevity. Furthermore, if a Japanese symbol contains two butterflies dancing together, it is an emblem of marital happiness.
2. Koi Carp in Japanese Symbolism
In Japanese symbols, this fish called koi carp has a name composed of two words; “Koi” means “carp” in Japanese, and this fish is a symbol of perseverance due to the fish’s tendency to swim upstream and resist the flow of water. The koi carp also symbolizes fidelity and marriage in Japan. A design of a carp swimming against the rapids symbolizes the Children’s Day festival on May 5. These Japanese symbols are meant to inspire children to work hard to succeed.
3. Cranes – Tsuru
Cranes represent good fortune and longevity as a result of Japanese folklore and symbolism, which believes that cranes live for 1,000 years. Among Japanese symbols, the crane is also closely related to the Japanese New Year and wedding ceremonies because cranes are monogamous. Because of this, the image of a crane is sometimes woven into beautiful wedding kimonos.
Japanese crane symbols are often produced in Japanese origami and artwork. Large colorful crane necklaces are also commonly seen outside Japanese temples.
4. Frogs – Kaeru
Among the popular Japanese animal symbols are frogs. There are many species of frogs in Japan as a result of the flooding of rice fields in Japanese agriculture. These creatures are often used in poetry and art, and are sometimes carried by travelers to ensure that they return home safely from their journeys. The word “frog” in Japanese means “return,” which is why the frog is considered a lucky Japanese animal and is seen as good fortune in things that return.
5. Turtles – Kame
The Japanese believe that the turtle is a symbol of wisdom and one of the Japanese symbols that signifies luck, protection, and longevity. Longevity is due to its long lifespan and slow movements.
The turtle is one of the Japanese symbols attributed to magic that unites heaven and earth, with its shell representing the sky and its square underside representing the earth.
6. Dragon – Tatsu
Although a mythical creature, the dragon is an important part of Japanese symbolism. It is a symbol of great power, wisdom, and success, and is said to bring strength, luck, and fortune. The Japanese dragon is similar to the Chinese dragon, but has a more serpentine shape.
Chinese dragons also differ in that they are largely associated with rain, due to the disasters caused by drought in China. However, because Japan is less susceptible to drought, the Japanese dragon is more associated with the sea in Japanese symbols.
7. Raccoon Dog – Tanuki
A subspecies of the dog is the Asian raccoon dog. This animal is one of Japan’s most iconic symbols and has been important in Japanese folklore since ancient times. The raccoon dog is known to be mischievous and playful, as well as a master of disguise with features believed to bring good fortune. It is a common traditional Japanese animal seen in Japanese art.
8. Lions – Komainu
The traditional lion symbolizes power, strength, and protection. The Japanese animal symbol of a lion is often associated with places of worship, where a pair of lion statues are often found protecting the entrances to shrines or temples.
These are often referred to as “lion dogs” and are believed to ward off evil spirits.
9. Cats – Maneki Neko
The lucky cat is regularly depicted in talismans within Japanese symbolism and is believed to bring luck, happiness, wealth, and prosperity. These lucky cats are identified by their raised right paw. Lucky cats make beautiful gifts.
Many of these animals that represent Japanese symbols are replicated in statues, talismans, and pets, and are often given as gifts based on the meaning they symbolize.
