What is "Ichigo-iro" (strawberry color)? An explanation of the origin, history, and color scheme of this traditional Japanese color.

Japanese Color Encyclopedia
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苺色の色見本 HEX #BB5561
Japanese color name strawberry color
reading Ichigoiro
HEX #BB5561
RGB 187, 85, 97
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What is "strawberry color"? Origin and etymology

"Strawberry color" refers to a deep red color with a slight purplish tint, like that of a fully ripened strawberry. The Dutch strawberry, which is commonly eaten today, was introduced to Japan in the late Edo period, and it was only after the Meiji era that it became widely cultivated. In the past, there were wild strawberries called "ichibiko," but their fruits were small. Therefore, the color name "strawberry color" is considered a relatively new traditional Japanese color that arose in the modern era when Western strawberries became popular among ordinary people.

Strawberry-colored historical background

The color name "strawberry color" only began to appear in literature after the Meiji era. Until the Edo period, dyeing mainly relied on natural dyes derived from plants, but with the import of inexpensive and diverse chemical dyes from the West in the Meiji era, it became possible to express previously unseen vibrant colors. Bright and vibrant reddish-purple colors like strawberry color became popular among people as Western clothing culture spread, and are said to have become established as one of the colors symbolizing the new era.

Related literature, waka poetry, and seasonal words

Strawberries have long been a seasonal word associated with spring and have been featured in waka and haiku poetry. Their small red fruits are often depicted as symbols of loveliness and the bittersweet feelings of first love. However, the color name "strawberry color" itself was established in modern times, so it does not appear in classical literature such as the Heian period's "The Tale of Genji." In modern literature, however, expressions such as "strawberry color" are sometimes used in the tanka and novels of Akiko Yosano as a metaphor to describe the redness of a young girl's lips or cheeks.

A crimson strawberry that has grown two feet tall.

— Masaoka Shiki

Color scheme preview

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Strawberry-colored color scheme proposal

strawberry color
Light green
milky white
dark brown

Light green (#A9D159)

A natural combination reminiscent of strawberry fruit and leaves. The fresh, youthful yellow-green of the color complements the sweet, deep red of the strawberry, creating a fresh and vibrant impression. It is also a suitable color scheme for spring.

Milky white (#F3F3F3)

A sweet and gentle color scheme reminiscent of strawberries, condensed milk, and cream. The milky white softens the vibrancy of the strawberry color, creating a clean and delicate feel. Suitable for Western-style confectionery and girly designs.

Dark brown (#6A4028)

A sophisticated and chic color scheme reminiscent of chocolate and strawberries. The deep shade of dark brown balances the vibrancy of the strawberry color, creating a refined and understated impression. Suitable for autumn and winter fashion and interior design.

Practical Scenes

Strawberry pink, with its lovely and vibrant colors, is often used in fashion and accessories, especially for women and children. When incorporated into kimonos or obi sashes, it creates a youthful and charming impression and is effective as an accent color in outfits. It's also a popular color for cosmetics such as lipstick and blush, valued for its ability to create a healthy, rosy complexion.

In interior design, incorporating it into cushion covers, curtains, and accessories can add warmth and a bright accent to the entire room. In web and graphic design, it is an effective accent color that attracts attention and is suitable for expressing feelings of happiness and sweetness on websites related to sweets and cosmetics.

FAQ

❓ What traditional Japanese colors are similar to strawberry yellow?
Colors similar to strawberry yellow include azalea yellow and peony yellow. While these are all purplish-reds, strawberry yellow is characterized by a slightly muted, subdued hue that evokes the freshness of the fruit.
❓ When did the color strawberry yellow start being used?
The color name "strawberry color" is a relatively new traditional color, coined after the Meiji era when the Dutch strawberry, which we eat today, became widely available in Japan. Therefore, this color name is not found in classical literature or dyeing techniques from before the Edo period.
❓ What kind of image does the color strawberry evoke?
Strawberry pink evokes positive images such as sweetness, cuteness, youthfulness, and happiness. As it is the color of ripe fruit, it can also symbolize abundance and vitality. On the other hand, a slightly purplish hue conveys a sense of calm and elegance amidst its vibrancy.

Japanese colors that resemble strawberry color

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