Fruits are considered a special commodity and hold a special place in Japanese society. Unlike in the West, where fruits are merely considered as the food we consume daily, in Japan they are considered the finest gifts! Some musk melons can cost tens of thousands of yen. In Japan, it’s quite common to find the most perfect-tasting fruits: perfect complexion, completely unblemished, shiny, and devilishly sweet. Many Japanese fruits are also handpicked. These are considered premium luxury fruits, and there’s a huge market in Japan as the demand is very high.
Fruit cultivation in Japan dates back to ancient times. Fruit available included peaches, the Japanese orange, tangerines, persimmons, loquats, plums, pomegranates, apples, raspberries, and strawberries. Much of Japan’s fruit was introduced from China during the country’s early history but has been cultivated in Japan ever since.
Symbolism of Fruit in Japanese Culture
Peach
In Japan, peaches are known as “momo” (桃) and are considered a symbol of longevity and good luck. The peach is also associated with the goddess of beauty and love, Benzaiten. In Japanese folklore, the peach is believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and is often depicted in art as a symbol of protection. The peach is also associated with springtime and is often used as a decorative motif during the season.
Persimmon
Persimmons are known as “kaki” (柿) in Japan and are considered a symbol of good fortune. The persimmon tree is also believed to have protective powers against evil spirits. In Japanese folklore, the persimmon is often associated with the autumn season and is used as a decorative motif during the season.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates are known as “zakuro” (柘榴) in Japan and are considered a symbol of fertility and prosperity. The pomegranate is also associated with the goddess of agriculture, Inari. In Japanese folklore, the pomegranate is often associated with autumn and is used as a decorative motif during the season.
Pineapple
Pineapples are known as “painappuru” (パイナップル) in Japan and are considered a symbol of hospitality and welcome. The pineapple is also associated with good fortune and prosperity. In Japanese folklore, the pineapple is often associated with summer and is used as a decorative motif during the season.
Watermelon
Watermelons are known as “suika” (西瓜) in Japan and are considered a symbol of summer. The watermelon is also associated with good luck and prosperity. In Japanese folklore, the watermelon is often associated with summer festivals and is used as a decorative motif during the season.
Fruit In Japanese Art And Literature
Traditional Japanese Art Featuring Fruit
In Japan, fruit is often used as a decorative motif in traditional art. An ancient Japanese practice known as mukimono focuses on the art of intricately carving vegetables and fruits into unusual shapes. For example, fruits and vegetables can be carved into intricate patterns and designs that are both beautiful and functional.
Fruit In Japanese Literature
Japanese literature is rich with references to fruit. In many cases, fruit is used as a symbol of fertility and abundance. For example, the pomegranate is often associated with the goddess of agriculture, Inari. The peach is also associated with the goddess of beauty and love, Benzaiten. In addition to being a symbol of good fortune, the persimmon tree is believed to have protective powers against evil spirits.
Conclusion
Japanese Fruits have played an important role in Japanese culture throughout history. From its use as a decorative motif in traditional art to its symbolism in literature and mythology, Japanese Fruit has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries. Peach, persimmon, pomegranate, pineapple, and watermelon are just a few examples of fruits that have been used to represent different aspects of Japanese culture. Whether it’s through art, literature, or everyday life, Japanese fruit continues to be an important part of Japanese culture today.