If you see something as blue, then it’s okay for apples and rabbits to be blue too4

 

“If you see something as blue, then it’s okay for apples and rabbits to be blue too.”

These are the words of Mori-senpai from “Blue Period.”

 

 

What color do you like?

How many colors do you think there are?

The answer is 16,770,000 colors.

Color names can be broadly categorized into three types:

  1. Colors named after objects: Such as cherry blossom pink and peach.

  2. Colors named after dyes, pigments, or their sources: Such as madder red and cobalt blue.

  3. Colors named after people, places, or foreign words for marketing purposes: Such as Danjuro tea and wine red.

Does the “red” in “baby” have anything to do with the color red?

Newborns have skin that is about half as thick as an adult’s. This makes their blood vessels visible, giving their skin a reddish appearance. This is why we call them “babies” and why red is the first color a baby can recognize.

There are many different types of red, including:

  • Vermillion (shuiro)

  • Crimson (beni-iro)

  • Madder red (akane-iro)

  • Ruby red

  • Scarlet

  • Cherry red

  • Rose red

The word “red” originates from “akashii” meaning the brightness of the sunrise. The kanji for red (赤) combines the characters for “big” and “fire,” representing the color of a large, blazing fire.

Red is associated with the sun and flames. Studies have shown that being surrounded by red can increase the perceived temperature by 2-3°C. Red attracts attention and is used in traffic signs and fire extinguishers due to its high visibility.

In the U.S., presidents often wear red ties to convey strong leadership. Red stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, providing energy, excitement, and passion, making it popular among proactive leaders.

Fast-food chains like McDonald’s and KFC often use red because it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and boosts energy metabolism. This makes time seem to pass more quickly and increases customer turnover. Additionally, red stimulates appetite, making it suitable for restaurants.

Why are sale and bargain price tags often red?

Red stimulates buying desire. Research on color marketing shows that using red for price tags can increase sales by up to 20%. Hence, red is also known as a “buying color.”

“Vermillion” was considered the most prestigious red in ancient Japan and China. Vermillion is a pigment made from mercury sulfide. Its name comes from the artificial vermilion “Shin-shu,” created by heating mercury and sulfur.

The use of vermilion for torii gates at shrines is due to its historical association with warding off evil spirits and misfortune. In Inari shrines, vermilion symbolizes the bounty given by Inari deity.

The term “shuniku” (vermilion ink) also reflects vermilion’s durability and resistance to water, making it ideal for ink used in seals. The ink, made from mercury, has remained vibrant for centuries.

“Crimson” was a highly prized, expensive red dye made from flowers during the Heian period in Japan. It was so valued that in the Edo period, deep crimson (ko-zome) was restricted to high-ranking individuals only.

The saying by Coco Chanel, “The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you,” emphasizes that the world is full of colors. It’s up to you to color your own world.