In its homeland it is called hinomaru - "solar circle", it is a white cloth with a large red circle in the middle, personifying the rising sun.
White, or "shiro" (白), is considered the sacred color of the gods. It symbolizes spiritual and physical purity.
Black, or "kuro" (黒), is a traditional male color in Japan. In the past, it was the color of the samurai class, and is now used for formal occasions, including wedding attire.
The color red, or "aka" (赤), is very popular in Japan. Red temples can be seen all over the country, and this fact has ancient significance. Since time immemorial, red has been believed to ward off evil forces. It often means justice. A symbol of good luck and happiness.
Blue, or "ao" (青), was the color of the common people. In the old days, the shogunates forbade common people from wearing brightly colored clothes. The most readily available natural dye was indigo, so common people's kimonos were dyed blue or gray.
The color gold, or "ki" (黄), is a symbol of the sun, divine power, and mercy. Gold is often used in temple decoration.
Purple, or "murasaki" (紫), is the color of warriors, symbolizing nobility and strength. The only flower that could be given to a samurai was the iris, as its sharp leaves resembled the blades of a katana (sword).
Sumac dye (黄櫨染, kōrozen) was used only for the outerwear of the Emperor of Japan. It was banned for use by anyone except the Japanese monarch.
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