| Japanese color name | Orange |
|---|---|
| reading | koujiiro |
| HEX | #F6AD49 |
| RGB | 246, 173, 73 |
What is "tangerine color"? Origin and etymology
The color "koji-iro" (唐子色) is derived from the color of the fruit of the "koji" (唐子), a type of citrus fruit. The koji is an evergreen small tree belonging to the Rutaceae family, and its fruit is said to be smaller and more acidic than the modern Satsuma mandarin. The bright reddish-yellow color, reminiscent of the peel of a ripe koji, was named "koji-iro." It is believed that the color name became established because it comes from a plant that has grown wild in Japan since ancient times and is easily recognizable. It is said that gardenias and safflowers were mainly used as dyes for this color.
The historical background of the orange color
The orange color held significant meaning during the Heian period. In the "Kōnin Kyakushiki," a set of regulations supposedly established by Emperor Saga in 820, "Ōni" (yellowish-orange) was designated as the color for the Crown Prince's robe, and this Ōni is often considered the same as the orange color. Ōni was a forbidden color dyed with gardenia and safflower, and only the Crown Prince was permitted to wear it. For this reason, the orange color came to be recognized as a color symbolizing high social status.
As time went on, similar shades became more popular among the general public, and by the Edo period, it had become one of the most popular colors among ordinary people.
Related literature, waka poetry, and seasonal words
The color orange, due to its noble background, also appears in literary works. In "The Tale of Genji," there is a scene where the color of Hikaru Genji's attire when he was a prince is depicted as orange. This solidified its image as a color symbolizing youthfulness and nobility. Furthermore, "orange" is sometimes used as a seasonal word in haiku poetry for winter. This suggests that the vibrant color of the fruit itself was seen as something that added color to winter scenes.
The citrus fruits ripen to a yellow color in this small village on a fine day.
Color scheme preview
This is to check the readability of the text when this color is used as the background.
Orange color scheme proposal
Light green (#A9D159)
Moegi-iro (light green) is a vibrant yellowish-green reminiscent of young leaves. When combined with kanji-iro (citrus fruit), it creates a natural and fresh impression like citrus fruits and leaves. The two colors complement each other, resulting in a bright and lively color scheme.
Lapis Lazuli (#1F4788)
Lapis lazuli is a deep, vibrant blue, creating a color scheme that is close to a complementary color, contrasting with the warmth of mandarin orange. This combination enhances each other's colors, creating a powerful and striking contrast. It is highly visible and gives a modern and sophisticated impression.
White training (#EFEFEF)
Shiro-neri is a lustrous white color reminiscent of refined silk. It enhances the vibrancy of the mandarin orange while giving the overall color a sense of cleanliness and elegance. This color scheme evokes a dignified and cheerful impression, reminiscent of celebrations and sacred occasions.
Practical Scenes
In the world of kimono, mandarin orange is used for formal kimonos such as visiting kimonos, furisode (long-sleeved kimonos), and obi (sashes), and is especially favored for celebratory occasions. Its bright and vibrant hue creates a festive atmosphere and gives a youthful impression. Incorporating it into accessories is also effective as an accent to the overall outfit.
In interior design, incorporating orange into cushions, curtains, and accessories brings warmth and vibrancy to a space. It pairs well with natural spaces based on white and wood tones, and using it as an accent color can make the entire room appear brighter.
In web and graphic design, orange is an effective color for buttons and headings that you want to attract attention. Its brightness and high visibility make it suitable for calls to action (CTAs) that encourage user engagement. As a color that conveys friendliness and energy, it is also used in building brand image.