Learn Japan’s Flower Language To Talk Via Bouquet

Up your floral and Japanese cultural knowledge with this primer on flower symbolism and gift-giving!

Although I have an avid interest in everything botanical, before becoming immersed in Japanese culture, I couldn’t say that I actively engaged with the meanings of flowers beyond the most popular ones above. However, in Japan, flowers have also been bestowed with unique cultural definitions and meanings similar to those found abroad. What’s more, Japan’s hana kotoba (flower language), or flower symbolism, is so widespread that it can be a helpful shorthand for conveying a message to another person.

Read on to discover how flower symbolism can help you master the always delicate art of gift-giving in Japan!

Flowers To Give Thanks

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ピンクローズ (pinku rōzu; “Pink Rose”)

In Japan, pink roses are seen as high in quality and have several meanings, such as graceful or ladylike. But, perhaps the most dominant one is giving thanks! Luckily, there is a wide variety of pink roses to choose from in terms of:

• Color: Salmon, Peach, Dusty, etc.
• Variety: Eden Rose, Blush China Rose, Queen Elizabeth Rose, etc.

So, it is easy to personalize this gift.

霞草 (kasumi-sō; “Baby’s Breath”)

Japan also ascribes multiple meanings to baby’s breath, such as purity and innocence, but a common one is thankfulness. Pair these delicate flowers in a bouquet with pink roses, and you will have a present with entirely consistent floral symbolism. What better way to show someone your appreciation than by gifting this power duo!

白ダリア (shiro daria; “White Dahlia”)

The white dalia’s most common meaning is thanks. Its secondary meaning is elegance, which makes these flowers both beautiful and refined. As large and rather impressive-looking flowers, they also work well as a high-impact present.

Flowers For Family

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カーネーション (kānēshon; “Carnation”)

In Japan, the undisputed queen of Mother’s Day is the carnation. Look no further than your local florist or even grocery store to see bundles of carnations prepared in advance for Mother’s Day. More specifically, the two colors considered traditional are:

• Red carnations, meaning “love for mother”
• Pink carnations, meaning “a mother’s undying love” and “thanks”

黄薔薇 (kibara; “Yellow Roses”)

While carnations rule Mother’s Day, yellow roses are considered the standard for Father’s Day. While roses, in general, symbolize love and beauty in Japanese as in English, yellow roses in Japan have the additional meaning of “self-sacrifice” and “friendship”.

If roses don’t feel right for your father or father figure, why not consider a 向日葵 (himawari; “Sunflower”)? Its yellow color, now regarded as emblematic of Father’s Day, and meaning of love and respect make it a close second in Japan as a floral present for Dad.

紫陽花 (ajisai; “Hydrangea”)

Hydrangeas are unexpectedly an excellent choice for all close family members, from parents to siblings. Symbolic of the rainy season and available in a wide array of pastel colors, hydrangeas are an underused flower in bouquets. Beloved in Japan from ancient times, these flowers have various meanings, such as “persevering love,” “family harmony,” and “family ties.” They’re the perfect gift for your nearest and dearest.

Flowers For Love

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赤薔薇 (akabara; “Red Rose”)

As in the English-speaking world, red roses symbolize passion and romantic love, making them the most popular flower gift for lovers in Japan.

ガーベラ (gābera; “Gerbera”)

Also known as African Daisies, these bright and lively flowers are said to mean “ardent love” and “optimism”. As such, they are an ideal replacement for or addition to roses for special romantic occasions like proposals! Particularly fitting are:

• Yellow gerbera, for ultimate love and beauty
• White gerbera, for hope
• Red gerbera, to signal the way forward with passionate love

チューリップ (chūrippu; “Tulip”)

Happy in springtime, tulips also make a lovely romantic gift as long as you pay attention to color!

• Red tulips, for a love confession of true love
• Pink tulips convey “love has sprouted” and true love
• Purple tulips profess “undying love”

They would all be beautiful choices together or as a single-color bouquet. Just make sure to avoid white tulips, which symbolize lost love!

雛菊 / デイジー (hinagiku/deijī; “Daisy”)

In English, daisies are said to symbolize secret or mysterious love, perhaps related to their centrality to the “he loves me, he loves me not” fortune-telling game. But, in Japan, the different daisy colors tell similar but slightly different romantic stories.

• White daisies are said to represent a love hidden in your heart
• Pink daisies are for true love
• Yellow daisies mean physical beauty

Flowers For Mourning

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白菊 (shiragiku; “White Chrysanthemum”)

The white chrysanthemum is the most traditional flower associated with funerals and mourning in Japan. It symbolizes truth, grief and respect for the deceased. You’ll see them in Buddhist ceremonies and memorial services as they are a staple in condolence bouquets and considered a sincere expression of sympathy.

白いカーネーション (shiroi kānēshon; “White Carnation”)

White carnations carry a softer sentiment in times of mourning. In hana kotoba, they represent pure love and remembrance, making them a gentle way to express care for both the departed and the grieving family. Florists often add them to condolence arrangements to bring comfort.

白百合 (shiroyuri; “White Lily”)

The white lily brings a sense of purity, peace and renewal, representing the innocence of the soul and the hope of spiritual rebirth. Pair it with chrysanthemums and carnations to create a balanced arrangement that conveys both respect and comfort.

Flowers For Friendship

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天竺葵 / ゼラニウム (tenjikuaoi/zeraniumu; “Geranium”)

Geraniums are a beautiful plant to gift a friend rather than as cut flowers. Very resistant to pests, with large, colorful blooms, these flowers, which are said to represent true friendship, would make a perfect way to thank your best bud.

ライラック (rairakku; “Lilac”)

Known for its delicate purple color and sweet smell, a branch of a lilac bush would make an impactful offering to a platonic pal. In Japan, Lilacs celebrate friendship, referencing “treasured friend”, “remembrance”, or “memory”. 

アカシア (akashia; “Acacia”)

Also called Mimosas, these bright and vivacious springtime blooms would be a lovely present to receive. The meanings ascribed to them in Japan, such as friendship and elegance, make these flowers ideal gifts for a good friend. Do let it be known, though: in English lore, they are ascribed with the symbolism of secret love!

Next time you are looking for a festive floral display to celebrate one of your favorite people, let Japan’s hana kotoba or flower symbolism guide you!

Whether you are looking to surprise your family with a bouquet, thank a friend for their astute advice, or splurge on blossoms for your partner, Japan’s “flower language” will ensure your gift is all the more fitting and memorable.

Have you ever gifted a bouquet based on Japan’s flower language before? What kind of message did you send?