Japan Color Quiz

In Japan, there are more than 700 different colors and more than 100 different combinations of beautiful colors for each of the four seasons, called "kasaneikome"... Try learning about this wonderful Japanese culture with this app. I think you will be able to notice the beauty of Japan anew.

First, tap on "Seasonal Colors" to see the color combinations called "Kasane Irome" for each season. These are mainly color combinations invented in the Heian period (794 - 1192). All of the combinations are very beautiful and give you a sense of Japanese style.

Each of the colors has a name. They are often named after flowers, plants, weather, and sometimes animals.

After learning about the colors of the seasons, let's take a look at the colors of one’s status. This section introduces “The system of the 12 ranks of the crown" and “The Taiho Code", which are taught in compulsory education in Japan. Check out how the colors that represent one’s status have changed over time. It is widely believed that the “Kourozen(黄櫨染)" worn by the current Emperor appeared in the Heian period.

Next, check out the "List of Traditional Japanese Colors," which has more than 700 colors. It has a search function, so if there is a color you know, you can look it up.

In all modes, you can check the color information. Tap on a color to see its RGB value.

When you have finished learning about all the colors, try taking the quiz in each mode. The quizzes are quite challenging, but if you can memorize the Japanese color names, especially Kasane Irome, you will find them very useful in choosing colors for your clothes, and in deciding on color schemes for documents and posters.

This app is available in both English and Japanese.

I would be happy if the wonderful color culture of Japan could reach all over Japan and the world.

Note: Colors may look slightly different on different displays. We have reproduced and displayed close colors from books of the Heian and Edo periods.