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purple
Kanji 1320

Thank you for visiting this Character Home Page. Below you'll find a synopsis of the essay. If you wish to read the full text, the PDF of the essay is available for purchase to the right.

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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Kanji PDF
Cover of essay 1320 on 紫, titled "The Color Purple"
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