In the quiet gardens of Japan, one flower stands apart from all others—not just for its beauty, but for the profound role it has played in shaping Japanese culture for over a millennium. The chrysanthemum, known as “kiku” in Japanese, is far more than a decorative bloom. It is woven into the very fabric of Japanese identity, appearing on imperial seals, in traditional festivals, on dinner plates, and in the nation’s highest honors.
While many nations claim a national flower, few have embraced their botanical symbol as deeply as Japan has with the chrysanthemum. From the imperial throne to everyday cuisine, from ancient poetry to modern passports, this remarkable flower tells the story of a nation’s values, aesthetics, and spiritual beliefs.
The Historical Journey of Chrysanthemums to Japan
The chrysanthemum’s story in Japan begins not on Japanese soil, but across the sea in ancient China. Native to China, the flower had been cultivated for over 3,000 years before it ever reached Japanese shores. In Chinese culture, chrysanthemums were revered as symbols of longevity and were used both as medicine and ornamental plants.
The precise timing of the chrysanthemum’s arrival in Japan remains a subject of scholarly debate. Historical evidence suggests that the flower was introduced during the Nara period (710-794 CE) through envoys to Tang China. Interestingly, some researchers point to references in the ancient text “Manyoshu” (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves) that may indicate wild chrysanthemum species existed in Japan even earlier.
What is certain is that by the Heian period (794-1185), chrysanthemums had captured the imagination of Japanese aristocracy. The flower began appearing in classical literature, including the “Kokin Wakashu” poetry collection and “The Tale of Genji.” Unlike the simple wildflowers that had populated earlier Japanese poetry, these were cultivated varieties that represented refinement and cultural sophistication.
The flower’s journey from China to Japan marked the beginning of what would become a uniquely Japanese relationship with the bloom—one that would eventually see Japan develop its own distinctive cultivation methods and varieties.
The Imperial Chrysanthemum: Symbol of the Japanese Throne
Perhaps no aspect of chrysanthemum culture is more iconic than its association with the Japanese Imperial Family. The sixteen-petaled chrysanthemum crest, known as the “Chrysanthemum Seal” or “kikumon,” has become synonymous with imperial authority.
The Chrysanthemum Crest and Its Meaning
The story of how the chrysanthemum became the imperial symbol begins in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) with Emperor Go-Toba. A passionate lover of both chrysanthemums and sword-making, Go-Toba adorned his personal belongings—including the swords he crafted—with chrysanthemum motifs. This personal preference gradually became associated with imperial authority itself.
However, the chrysanthemum crest wasn’t officially designated as the imperial emblem until much later. In 1873 (Meiji 6), the chrysanthemum was formally established as the imperial family’s mon through a proclamation by the Grand Council of State. The specific design chosen was the “Jūroku-yae Omote-giku” (sixteen-petaled double chrysanthemum) for members of the inner imperial family.
The design itself holds deep symbolism. The radiating petals are said to represent the sun’s rays, connecting to Japan’s identity as the “Land of the Rising Sun.” This association between the chrysanthemum, the sun, and imperial authority created a powerful cultural trinity that persists to this day.
Today, the chrysanthemum crest appears on Japanese passports (in a sixteen-petaled single-layer form), government buildings, and official documents. While the strict prohibitions against using the imperial chrysanthemum seal by commoners were lifted after World War II, the symbol retains its association with the highest levels of authority and respect.
The Order of the Chrysanthemum
Japan’s highest honor, the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (Dai-kun’i Kikka-shō), continues the flower’s imperial connection into the realm of national recognition. Established in 1876 (Meiji 9), this decoration consists of two classes: the Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum and the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum.
The design incorporates a red glass sun symbol at its center, with rays extending in four directions, surrounded by yellow and green chrysanthemum flowers and leaves. Since World War II, this highest decoration has been awarded sparingly—primarily to former Prime Ministers who served for extended periods and to foreign heads of state as a diplomatic honor.
Chrysanthemum Festival Day: Celebrating the Choyo no Sekku
Every year on September 9th, Japan observes Choyo no Sekku, also known as the Chrysanthemum Festival or the Festival of the Double Ninth. This celebration is one of Japan’s five seasonal festivals (gosekku) and represents the culmination of the festival calendar.
The festival’s origins lie in ancient Chinese numerology, where odd numbers were considered auspicious “yang” numbers. The ninth day of the ninth month—when the largest yang number (9) is doubled—was therefore seen as especially significant, though paradoxically also requiring special observances to ward off potential misfortune.
Traditional Customs and Rituals
During the Heian period, Choyo no Sekku became an important court ceremony. Nobles would gather in the imperial palace to compose poetry while gazing at chrysanthemums and drinking chrysanthemum wine (kikuzake)—sake infused with chrysanthemum petals—believed to promote longevity and good health.
One particularly elegant custom was kise-wata (layered cotton). The night before the festival, cotton cloth would be placed over chrysanthemum flowers to absorb their dew and fragrance. The next morning, this dew-moistened cotton would be used to gently wipe one’s face and body, a practice believed to promote youthfulness and longevity.
The festival’s observance declined after the Meiji Restoration (1868) when Japan switched from the lunar to the Gregorian calendar. The seasonal misalignment—September 9th in the new calendar came too early for chrysanthemums to bloom—contributed to the festival’s gradual fading from popular consciousness. However, the tradition continues in certain regions and has seen a modest revival in recent years as interest in traditional culture has grown.
Chrysanthemums in Japanese Daily Life
While chrysanthemums hold exalted positions in imperial and ceremonial contexts, they have also found their way into everyday Japanese life in remarkably practical ways.
Edible Chrysanthemums in Japanese Cuisine
Edible chrysanthemums (shokuyō-giku) represent a unique intersection of culinary tradition and nutritional science. Unlike ornamental varieties, edible chrysanthemums have been selectively bred to have less bitterness and larger, more tender petals.
The yellow chrysanthemums commonly seen garnishing sashimi are not merely decorative. They serve a practical antibacterial function, helping to prevent food poisoning—a consideration particularly important before modern refrigeration. Beyond this utilitarian role, edible chrysanthemums have become ingredients in their own right.
Popular varieties include:
- “Motte no hoka” (also called “Enmeigaku”): A purple variety from Yamagata Prefecture, known as the “king of edible chrysanthemums”
- “Abōkyū”: A yellow variety popular in Aomori and Yamagata
- “Kakinomoto”: A purple variety from Niigata Prefecture
These chrysanthemums are prepared in various ways—blanched as ohitashi (dressed vegetables), added to vinegar dishes, made into tempura, or scattered over soups. The petals provide a subtle, slightly sweet flavor with a delicate crunch.
Recent research has identified several beneficial compounds in edible chrysanthemums. Studies have shown that chrysanthemum consumption may support the body’s production of glutathione, a natural detoxification substance. The flowers also contain chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid, which research suggests may have anticancer properties and help manage cholesterol levels.
Chrysanthemum Tea and Health Benefits
Chrysanthemum tea (kiku-cha) continues a tradition that stretches back to ancient China. The tea is made by steeping dried chrysanthemum flowers in hot water, producing a subtly sweet, aromatic beverage.
In traditional East Asian medicine, chrysanthemum tea has been valued for its cooling properties and is believed to benefit eye health, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation. While modern science approaches these traditional uses with appropriate caution, research has identified antioxidant compounds in chrysanthemum tea that may contribute to overall health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
The tea remains popular in Japan, particularly during autumn when fresh chrysanthemums are abundant, and can be found in specialty tea shops and some supermarkets.
The Art and Aesthetics of Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums have inspired Japanese artists and writers for centuries, becoming a recurring motif in the nation’s cultural expression.
Chrysanthemums in Japanese Poetry and Literature
Classical Japanese poetry frequently features chrysanthemums as symbols of autumn elegance and longevity. The famous poet Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694) was particularly fond of chrysanthemums and featured them in several of his haiku.
In the Heian period classic “The Pillow Book” by Sei Shōnagon, chrysanthemums appear as markers of seasonal change and objects of aesthetic contemplation. The flower’s ability to bloom beautifully even as temperatures drop made it a metaphor for resilience and grace under adversity.
The chrysanthemum also appears in the traditional concept of “shikashima no hana” (four gentlemen flowers), alongside the plum blossom, orchid, and bamboo. These four plants were considered embodiments of noble character traits in East Asian artistic tradition.
Kiku Ningyō: The Traditional Chrysanthemum Doll Displays
One of Japan’s most remarkable chrysanthemum traditions is kiku ningyō—life-sized dolls whose “clothing” is made entirely from living chrysanthemum flowers. This unique art form originated in Edo period Tokyo, specifically in the Somei and Komagome districts known for their plant nurseries.
The creation of chrysanthemum dolls requires the collaboration of three types of specialists:
- Garden masters who cultivate the special variety of small, pliable chrysanthemums suitable for doll-making
- Doll craftsmen who create the mannequin structures, heads, and hands
- Chrysanthemum masters who “dress” the dolls by attaching the living flowers
The process takes an entire year. Garden masters must carefully cultivate chrysanthemums whose stems are long, flexible, and less prone to breaking, timing their growth to bloom precisely during the exhibition period in autumn.
Major chrysanthemum doll festivals include:
| Festival | Location | Established | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Dolls | Fukushima Prefecture | 1955 | Held at historic Kasumigajo Castle; often features NHK historical drama themes |
| Takefu Chrysanthemum Dolls | Fukui Prefecture | 1952 | Known for elaborate scene compositions |
At the Nihonmatsu festival, visitors have shared their impressions online, with one noting: “I visited for the first time and was surprised by how large-scale it was. The autumn foliage was absolutely stunning.” Another commented: “The beautiful chrysanthemum dolls—I’m so glad I could see them again this year.”
These festivals represent living art that changes slightly each day as the chrysanthemums grow and bloom, making each visit a unique experience.
Chrysanthemums and Japanese Spirituality
Beyond their aesthetic and practical applications, chrysanthemums hold a special place in Japanese spiritual life.
In Buddhist tradition, chrysanthemums are commonly used as offerings at altars and during memorial services. Their long-lasting blooms make them practical for this purpose, but their association with longevity and the cycle of seasons also gives them deeper symbolic resonance.
The flower’s ability to bloom magnificently in the cooling temperatures of autumn, when most other flowers have faded, has made it a symbol of endurance and the beauty that can exist even in life’s later seasons. This symbolism connects to Buddhist concepts of impermanence and the dignity of aging.
In Shinto practices, chrysanthemums appear in purification rituals and seasonal observances. The Choyo no Sekku festival itself has Shinto elements, with some shrines holding special ceremonies on this day.
The Japanese concept of “mono no aware”—a gentle sadness at the transience of things—finds expression in the chrysanthemum’s seasonal presence. The flower blooms brilliantly just as the year begins its decline toward winter, embodying both beauty and the bittersweet passage of time.
Conclusion
The chrysanthemum’s journey through Japanese culture—from an imported medicinal plant to the symbol of an empire—reveals much about Japan’s ability to adopt, adapt, and ultimately transform external influences into something uniquely its own.
Today, the chrysanthemum continues to bridge multiple worlds: the sacred and the mundane, the artistic and the practical, the ancient and the modern. Whether appearing on a passport, in a bowl of soup, at a memorial service, or in the imperial seal, this remarkable flower carries layers of meaning that have accumulated over more than a thousand years.
For visitors to Japan, understanding the chrysanthemum connection opens a window into Japanese values—the appreciation for seasonal change, the reverence for tradition, the pursuit of aesthetic perfection, and the integration of beauty into everyday life. The chrysanthemum is not merely Japan’s flower; it is a living symbol of the Japanese spirit itself.
As autumn arrives each year and chrysanthemums bloom across Japan—in gardens, at temples, in competitive exhibitions, and yes, even on dinner plates—they remind us that cultural symbols can be both profound and practical, both timeless and evolving, much like Japan itself.
