The Passion for Red in Japanese Culture (赤, Aka)
Red weaves a vibrant thread through the tapestry of Japanese culture, much like it does across many East Asian ethnicities.
It bathes the sacred torii gates of Shinto shrines, graces the serene temples, animates the Daimonya Daruma dolls (the charming Japanese tumblers), and gives life to the art of lacquerware. There's a whisper in the winds of Japan that red is the bane of malevolent spirits, a beacon of protection, a bastion of strength, an emblem of peace, and a powerful symbol of authority. The red torii, bold and beautiful, stand as architectural marvels, crafting an indelible image of Japan's chromatic legacy for many an American onlooker.
In the realm of myths, red bursts forth as the color of zestful energy, the essence of life, the glow of sunshine, and the harbinger of hope, heralding the ideals of justice. It guards the entrances of shrines, steadfast in its purpose to ward off evil and shield against contamination, necessitating that the torii, the shrine's first sentinel, be drenched in red. This red, when paired with the tranquil blue of the sky, the reflective calm of waters, and the verdant embrace of trees, paints a quintessential Japanese scene. Take, for instance, the Shirahige Shrine, cradled by the shores of Biwako in Shiga Prefecture, venerable with nearly two millennia of whispers and winds. Its crown jewel, the grandiose red torii, rises from the lake's heart, an ever-changing spectacle from the blush of dawn to the depths of night. And let's not forget the pearls of Lake Biwa, draped in history and unmatched in quality.
The Hinomaru, Japan's flag, boasts a sun steeped in the same fiery red. Shinto priests often don the color in their attire, if not completely, then with a touch here and there. Furthermore, the fabric of Japanese festivals is often stitched with red hues, adorned with decorations and red-and-white curtains. Daimonya Daruma dolls, those delightful embodiments of fortune, are crafted to usher in wishes come true. Born from legend, these dolls took their first form at the hands of an ancient monk named Daruma, garbed in a red robe, bestowing upon them their traditional red hue. Yet, the modern era sees these dolls adorned in an array of colors and patterns, a testament to their enduring appeal, found in nearly every Japanese establishment from coast to coast in the United States.
And perhaps, in the cozy nooks of Japanese restaurants, you've encountered the illustrious Japanese lacquerware. Its red—a deep, resonant red—emerges from the harmonious blend of raw lacquer and cinnabar. In the English lexicon, "japan" is a nod to this exquisite lacquerware. The vibrant red of these pieces isn't just a feast for the eyes; it's a symbol of vitality, a promise of rebirth, and a dance of zest.
The Allure of Crimson Torii Gates
Steeped in history and radiating a bold crimson, the torii gates are Japan's architectural jewels, often greeting Americans with their first burst of traditional Japanese color. Through the lens of mythology, red pulses with the vibrant energies of life, the warmth of sunshine, and the promise of hope, all the while embodying the very essence of justice. These red sentinels stand guard at the entrances of shrines, their scarlet hues acting as a shield against dark spirits and the encroachment of impurities, making their fiery paint not just tradition, but a necessity. The marriage of red torii with the cerulean heavens, reflective waters, and verdant greens crafts a palette quintessential to the Japanese vista. Take for instance the venerable Shirahige Shrine by the tranquil Biwako in Shiga Prefecture, its fame anchored by the impressive red torii which stands like a beacon in the lake, its beauty morphing from the tender blush of dawn to the mysterious shadows at midnight. And let's not overlook Biwako's pearls, treasured for their long history and unmatched luster.
Moreover, the torii's crimson cloak serves a practical purpose; as wooden wards, they brave the elements and are thus susceptible to wear. The red vermilion sand, with its rust-resistant qualities, is not just for show—it's a guardian in its own right. While red dominates, it's not the sole hue of holiness; Japan's landscape is dotted with torii in white, like those at Mitsumine Shrine and Sakurai Shrine, and even in inky black. With the advent of contemporary materials, we now see torii in glass and plastic, a testament to the evolving palette of sacred spaces.
The Enigmatic Essence of the Torii
In the heart of Japan's spiritual tapestry, the torii stands as an emblematic gateway, weaving its way into the collective consciousness through its iconic portrayals in famed Japanese animations like "Your Name" and "Spirited Away." These crimson portals carve out a serene landscape, embodying solitude and grace. More than a mere gate, the torii is a sacred threshold, heralding the transition from the earthly to the divine. To pass beneath its frame is to step into the sanctified realm of deities, an act steeped in reverence and mystique.
Birds, believed by the Japanese to carry human souls, find sanctuary at these gates, reinforcing the torii's role as a liminal space where the spiritual and mortal worlds converge. To cross under the torii is to be reminded of the sanctity of the grounds beyond, prompting a pause, a breath, perhaps a silent prayer.
The torii's architectural silhouette is distinctive: the “KASAGI”「笠木」crowns the top, “SHIMAKI” 「岛木」lies beneath, flanked by pillars that often bear the shrine's name. Vermilion, the color most torii are painted in, is not just a visual delight—it's a symbol of vitality and a talisman against calamity. Rooted in agricultural tradition where sunlight and warmth were prized above all, red became a beacon of life. Thus, enveloped by blue skies, mirrored waters, and lush greenery, the torii becomes a living emblem of the land it guards.
As for the Shirahige Shrine, a jewel nestled by Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, it is a testament to time with its near two millennia of watchful existence. Its most celebrated feature, a towering red torii, rises from the lake's heart. This ancient guardian transitions from the soft glow of dawn to the quiet mystery of the night, each hour casting a new spell of beauty.
Photography by BIWAKO Jewelry