Talkshow “Colors of Japan”: Bridging tradition and contemporary design

Held as part of the ongoing Japan – Vietnam cultural exchange, “Colors of Japan: From Tradition to Contemporary Application” is a talk event hosted by The Book Hunter. The program invites participants to explore how color has shaped Japanese aesthetics from historical and philosophical roots to its role in modern-day design practices.

The event features three speakers, each bringing a distinct perspective: translator Đỗ Nguyên, a long-time scholar of Japanese literature; Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Thị Oanh, an expert in classical Eastern literature; and cultural researcher Hà Thủy Nguyên, representing The Book Hunter. Together, they examine the interplay between language, symbolism, and creative application through the lens of color.

The discussion centers on Japan’s traditional color system, where each hue carries meanings rooted in seasonal cycles, social class, ritual practices, and specific historical contexts. Drawing from the book “Sắc màu Nhật Bản – Bốn mùa thiên nhiên & sáng tạo qua các thời đại”, the talk traces the evolution of color aesthetics from the ceremonial palettes of the Heian court to the vivid expressions of modern street fashion.

Speakers delve into emblematic shades such as cherry blossom pink, wisteria purple, moss green, and iris blue, analyzing how these tones express core Japanese values and the relationship between humans, nature, and community. In classical Japanese culture, color is not merely a visual element but a symbolic system embedded in everyday life.

The discussion also extended into the role of color in contemporary visual culture, with examples spanning packaging design, animation, fashion, visual arts, and media. Many Japanese brands continue to draw from traditional palettes to shape their unique visual identities, while modern designers reinterpret these heritage elements through symbolic and aesthetic frameworks.

Held in July 2025 in Hanoi, the event drew significant interest from professionals in design, communications, cultural research, and admirers of Japanese culture. Through an open dialogue format, the program encouraged participants to ask questions, exchange insights, and explore color not only as an aesthetic element, but also as a cultural, social, and philosophical medium.

Sources:

https://thebookhunter.org/item/giao-luu-sac-mau-nhat-ban-tu-truyen-thong-den-ung-dung-hien-dai/