THE START OF SPRING
Spring is a time of renewal in Europe, too—but in Japan, this positive new beginning has deep cultural and emotional significance. The symbolism of the season, full of hope and freshness, is reflected in every element of our Limited Edition: the face of a manga-style girl, a cat, an origami bird and cherry blossoms—symbols deeply rooted in modern Japanese culture. Together, they express the joy and harmony that characterise spring’s awakening.
The blooming season of the magnificent pink cherry blossoms (sakura) is a key part of spring in Japan, but it lasts only a short time. Cherry blossoms therefore symbolise both the beauty of the moment and transience. Many people in Japan gather for the famous hanami—enjoying and admiring the blossoms together over a picnic. Beauty that fades is especially precious.
Just as spring stands for new beginnings, beauty and transience, manga girls symbolise innocence, youth and hope—the emotional overlap is strong. Their delicate, pure features echo the cherry blossoms. It’s no wonder Japanese shōjo manga so often shows girls beneath cherry trees. Romantic themes such as first love are also common.
The centuries-old Japanese art of paper folding is now very popular in Europe too. The motifs and possibilities seem endless. Yet origami is much more than folding paper figures. Many traditional figures have important symbolic meaning in Japanese history and culture. Among the best known are the crane, a symbol of long life, and the dove of peace.
The ‘beckoning cat’ maneki-neko is probably Japan’s most famous cat and a popular good-luck symbol here too. But its meaning is far more nuanced. Cats generally stand for luck, protection and prosperity—especially white cats with brown and black patches in their fur. Mystery plays a part as well. They appear in ghost stories as much as in Japanese pop culture.
Our Limited Edition features four traditional motifs—and Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce is made from just four ingredients: water, soya beans, wheat and salt. And it has been that way for centuries! Free from additives, colourings, preservatives and flavour enhancers, it develops its incomparable aromas during maturation. This creates the intense umami taste that gives many dishes that certain something. Naturally, in spring too!
