The traditional Japanese garment, the kimono, carries unique meanings through its colors.
By reading this article, you will learn the symbolic meanings of kimono colors and in which situations each color is most appropriate.
Examples include kimonos worn at Coming-of-Age ceremonies, weddings, graduations, Shichi-Go-San celebrations, festivals, tea ceremonies, stage performances, and more.
“Is a red kimono a celebratory color?” “When should I wear a black kimono?” — We will answer these common questions and provide tips to help you choose the kimono color that best fits you.
Kimono Colors and Their Meanings
Here is a summary of six representative kimono colors.
You can quickly see what each color symbolizes and in which occasions it is most suitable.
| Color |
Main Meaning |
Occasions |
Seasonal Image |
| ■Red |
Celebration, vitality, passion, youth |
Coming-of-Age Ceremony, wedding, festival, stage performance |
Spring, Summer |
| ■Blue |
Sincerity, calmness, purity |
Tea ceremony, graduation, theater |
Summer, Autumn |
| ■White |
Purity, new beginnings, innocence |
Bridal attire, New Year’s celebration, photography |
Winter, All seasons |
| ■Black |
Formality, dignity, refinement |
Formal ceremonies, family weddings |
Winter, All seasons |
| ■Purple |
Nobility, elegance, tradition |
Tea ceremony, Maiko attire, formal events |
Autumn, Winter |
| ■Green |
Nature, tranquility, harmony |
Shichi-Go-San, graduation, sightseeing |
Spring, Early Summer |
When in doubt, choose based on the occasion and season.
For example, red is perfect for celebrations. Blue and purple fit calm, refined settings, while white and black are safe choices for formal events.
Meanings of Kimono Colors and When to Wear Them
Here, we explain the symbolic meanings of each color, common occasions where they are worn, seasonal associations, and simple coordination tips.
Red: Meaning and Occasions
Red symbolizes celebration, vitality, and passion. It is perfect for marking new beginnings.
Popular for Coming-of-Age ceremonies and weddings, it also shines in energetic scenes like festivals or stage performances.
Bright reds suit spring, while slightly deeper shades are recommended for summer. Gold accents in obi or accessories add extra festivity.
Mini FAQ
Q. Is red too flashy?
A. Bright reds give a lively impression, while deeper reds feel more composed. Choose the tone according to the occasion.
Blue: Meaning and Occasions
Blue represents sincerity, calmness, and purity. It suits quiet and formal settings.
Blue and navy are popular for graduation ceremonies, while indigo is admired in tea ceremonies. Blue also works well for summer festival yukata.
Light blue is refreshing in summer, while deep navy is fitting for autumn. Pairing with white or silver obi adds a clean look.
Mini FAQ
Q. Is blue too plain?
A. Adding colorful accessories brings brightness. A white obi or silver hair ornament works beautifully.
White: Meaning and Occasions
White represents purity, new beginnings, and innocence, making it suitable for celebratory attire.
Commonly seen in bridal wear and New Year’s outfits, it also looks striking in photos with colorful backgrounds.
Gold or silver accessories bring elegance, and white is versatile enough to wear year-round.
Mini FAQ
Q. Is white limited to winter?
A. While it often feels wintry, white can be worn year-round. In spring and summer, add colorful accessories to brighten the look.
Black: Meaning and Occasions
Black conveys formality, dignity, and refinement. It is a safe choice for solemn ceremonies.
Suitable for family weddings and official events, it pairs well with gold or white obi for a stately impression.
In photos, choose well-lit settings to avoid appearing too heavy. A lighter collar can balance the look.
Mini FAQ
Q. Does black look too heavy?
A. Bright obi or collars can lighten the impression. Natural light outdoors also softens the overall look.
Purple: Meaning and Occasions
Purple symbolizes nobility, elegance, and tradition, making it ideal for calm, formal settings.
Admired in tea ceremonies, theater, and even Maiko attire, purple pairs well with silver or white obi for sophistication.
Light lavender creates a youthful, soft impression, while deep purple conveys maturity. Adjust the shade to match the occasion.
Mini FAQ
Q. Does purple make you look older?
A. Light lavender looks youthful, while deeper purples create a refined impression. Choose according to your purpose.
Green: Meaning and Occasions
Green represents nature, tranquility, and harmony, creating a calm and gentle impression.
It suits Shichi-Go-San celebrations and graduation ceremonies, and is also perfect for spring or early summer outings and sightseeing.
Light green feels fresh and lively, while deep green feels composed. Choose according to the season and occasion.
Mini FAQ
Q. Does green look too plain?
A. Adding bright patterns or accessories creates variety. White or gold obi complement green beautifully.
Understanding the Spirit of Japanese Culture Through Color Choice
In Japan, choosing kimono colors is closely tied to the seasons.
In spring, bright colors that recall cherry blossoms or fresh greenery are favored. In summer, cool shades like blue or white are chosen. Autumn calls for reds and purples that match the changing leaves, while winter favors deep, subdued tones like black.
This is not only about fashion. Selecting seasonal colors shows thoughtfulness, as if to say, “Let’s enjoy this season together.”
Considering the season, the people around you, and the setting when choosing colors is an expression of the Japanese cultural value of kikubari—thoughtful consideration for others.
By understanding the meanings of colors and wearing them in context, you can gain a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture.
Wearing red to celebrate new beginnings, white to show purity, or blue to express calmness—each color carries centuries of history and heartfelt wishes.
How to Experience Kimono Colors
Understanding the meanings of kimono colors is one thing, but actually wearing them allows you to “feel it with your body.”
Wearing red can lift your spirits, while blue may bring a sense of calm. Colors hold a mysterious power to influence mood and impression.
For those living in Japan, there are opportunities to try kimono for free.
Wearing kimono in tune with the season or event helps you gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
What You Can Do with YOLO DISCOVER
YOLO DISCOVER is a special project for foreign residents in Japan, where you can enjoy services across the country for free.
From kimono dressing experiences to food, travel, beauty, and various services, you can discover and enjoy many aspects of Japanese culture.
How to Join
▶ Already a YOLO JAPAN Member
- Sign in
- Choose a project you’re interested in and apply
▶ First-Time Users (Not yet registered with YOLO JAPAN)
- Create an account
- Register with either your Google account or your email address and password
- Click the link in the confirmation email to verify
- Apply for a project you’re interested in
Why Free?
Companies that provide these experiences are looking for your feedback and SNS posts.
Your voice has great value that money can’t buy.
That’s why instead of paying, you can simply “experience and share” to participate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Why is a red kimono often used for celebrations?
Red symbolizes “energy” and “life.” It has long been considered a color that wards off evil, making it perfect for celebrations such as Coming-of-Age ceremonies and weddings.
Q2. Is black kimono only for funerals?
Black represents “formality” and “dignity.” It is not limited to funerals but is also worn at weddings and formal ceremonies.
Q3. What does a white kimono mean?
White stands for “purity” and “new beginnings.” It is commonly worn in bridal attire and New Year’s celebrations.
Q4. Why is the purple kimono considered noble?
In the past, purple was reserved only for those of the highest rank. Even today, it conveys “elegance” and “tradition.”
Q5. Why do kimono colors change with the seasons?
Japan values its four seasons.
Spring calls for bright colors, summer for cool shades, autumn for the colors of changing leaves, and winter for deeper tones.
Wearing seasonal colors expresses appreciation for nature and consideration for others.
Summary
Each kimono color carries a deep meaning.
Red = passion, Blue = sincerity, White = purity… the impression you give changes greatly depending on the color.
Beyond learning from books or articles, wearing kimono yourself helps you truly feel these meanings.
Choosing colors according to the season or occasion gives you deeper insight into the spirit of Japanese culture.
Article by: YOLO JAPAN Editorial Team (sharing lifestyle information for foreign residents in Japan)
Last Updated: August 2025
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