Aka (赤)

Red is a strong and auspicious color in the Japanese culture. It is often combined with the color white to symbolize happiness and good fortune. Red represents intense energy and is usually used to portray the color of the sun in Japan. The Japanese flag is a perfect example of this as it includes a red sun in the middle of a white backdrop.

Here are a few other traditional places where one might see the color aka boldly displayed:

During celebratory occasions, such as birthdays and weddings, friends and family will often give a monetary gift placed in an envelope and tied with red and white ceremonial strings.

Red is the color of the umbrellas used in outdoor Japanese tea ceremonies.

Torii shrine gates and bridges are often red because since ancient times the Japanese have believed that the color red helped to ward off evil spirits and protect people from misfortune.