紫
purple
Kanji 1320
purple
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Synopsis
Purple (紫) has special meaning in Japan. An old name for one of the four major islands contains 紫. The “Tale of Genji” author chose an alias that included 紫. Kyoto and Edo each had a shade of purple named after them, thanks to a purple plant dye. Purple is associated with various types of elites in Japan. And some Japanese perceive soy sauce and tobacco smoke as purple!
Revision history:
Feb. 12, 2022:
- p. 2, Etymology Box: Updated the Henshall etymology and Sears link.
- p. 13: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.
June 2, 2017: Originally published.
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