Willow MouseWillow Mouse

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Learn about Japan's traditional colors

2026.2.10

Can you read it? The traditional Japanese color "Yanagi-nezumi" is not pronounced "ryuso"










What is the traditional Japanese color "Yanagi-nezumi"?




Willow mouse refers to the soft color reminiscent of willow leaves. In the Edo period book "Tekagami Moyo Setsuyo," it is written that "willow mouse, commonly known as mamegara tea," and it was also called by another name. In "Yoshiwara Yoji," a humorous book by Sankyo Toden published in 1788 (the 8th year of the Tenmei era), it is written that "she went out wearing a willow mouse pajama kosode and a willow tea bowl obi," showing that it was incorporated into the attire of the time.





Willow Mouse = Yanagi Nezumi

 

Willows are considered a symbol of "suppleness" and often appear in waka poetry and stories. During the Heian period, they were considered a tree that heralded the arrival of spring, and along with cherry blossoms, they were a symbol of the season. "Yanagi-nezumi" is pronounced "yanagi-nezumi."







DIC Traditional Japanese Colors: R119 G150 B154 #77969A / Willow Mouse




What is “Learn about Japan’s traditional colors”?
We will also introduce beautiful traditional Japanese colors, how to read their kanji, and the background behind the colors. Let's enjoy together the Japanese sensibilities that have been passed down since ancient times.

 

 


Reference books: “Beautiful Japanese Traditional Colors” published by PIE International, “365 Days of Poons Illustrated Book” written by Reki Seikatsu and published by Genkosha

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Learn about Japan's traditional colors

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