Colour Theory
Colour Meaning
White
It's also used in the Japanese national flag. Usually relates to clean, pure, innocence, minimum and fresh images.
The white wedding kimono is called shiro-muku. Shiro means white, muku means pure.
- Wedding
- Clean
- Minimalism
- Winter
- Business card
Red
Red is used in the Japanese national flag. It usually relates to love and happiness. Use the colour to celebrate good things and special dates. Also relates passionate and excitement.
Several globally active Japanese companies are using red for logos. Such as: Toyota, Nisshin, Uniqlo, Shiseido, Canon,etc.
- New year's day
- Birth day
- Sale
- Love
- Branding
Black
It is formal, high quality, and luxury. High speed and expensive electric machines are coloured black. e.g. rice cookers, hair dryers, and cars.
It's also related death.
- Formal
- Modern
- Funeral
- luxury
- High brand
- Work-suits
- school uniform
Yellow
It means happiness, energy, and related kids. Elementary school students wear a yellow hat when they go to school.
- Kids
- Kinder garden
- Elementary school
- Energy
- Happy
Blue
When it comes to corporate design/branding, it express sincererity attitude toward their business.
Examples: ANA Airlines, Mizuho Bank, Suntory.
It relates Soccer. Japan's national football team’s uniform is blue which is called Samurai Blue.
- Sincerity
- Corporate branding
- Sports event
- Tech
- intelligence
- Summer
Green
Green is a common colour used in any nature-related thing.
Branding for Organic products, companies, and content.
Sometimes Japanese call green color blue, e.g. blue light, blue apple.
- Organic brand
- Eco friendly
- Nature
- Relaxing
Purple
Purple was the highest in the "Twelve Stage Cap and Rank" established by Prince Shotoku in 603.
Nowadays, it's connected with mysterious, elegance and luxury.
- Elegant
- Mysterious
- Luxury
- Halloween
- Fortune-telling
- Magic
Pink
It's related femininity, girly, and love. Sometimes it's called Sakura - iro which means cherry blossom colour. Used to symbolise breast cancer awareness.
- Spring
- Valentine’s day
- Femininity
- Happy
- Love
- Romantic
Gold
Gold is common celebration colour in Japan.
Gold leaf has been widely used in art, furnishings, and decoration of living spaces. It is also used for tea, sweets, dishes, and sake. Sake with gold leaf has been commercialized for celebrations and seasonal gifts.
- Art
- Kin-tsugi
- Castle
- Kimono
- Sake
- Celebrate
- luxury, rich
Top Colour Groups
Traditional
- New year's day
- New year's sale
- Wedding
Fresh
- Summer
- Sports brand
- Beverages
Warm Colours
- Food industry: fast food
Pastel Retro Kawaii
- iIlustration
- Animation
- Teen clothing
Be careful with these colours
Avoid writing names in red
It's rude to write someone's name by red ink. It means relevant to a war, blood, something bad things.Also it means: I hate you.
Avoid writing names in black for condolences
Use grey instead.
Trending Design Colour Palettes
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Dark ochre & soft warmth
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Neon fashion
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#333333
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Minimal & natural
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Primary colours
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Neon & greys or pastels
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