IRO Vol.1 : The Japanese Philosophy of Color and Imperfection

Summary

This poetic exploration of color and memory takes viewers through the lens of Japanese culture, revealing how color names hold deeper meanings tied to time, place, and emotion. From the subtle green of hidden birds in bamboo to the layered indigos shaped by years of wear, the video delves into the art of mixing light instead of paint, emphasizing the impermanence of color and its intimate connection to human experience. Through a rich narrative of tradition and craftsmanship, it encourages viewers to notice the beauty in the fleeting moments around them.

Takeaways

• 😀 The world of color is fleeting and ever-changing, and in Japan, naming colors captures these moments before they disappear.
• 😀 Japanese color names are more than labels; they represent coordinates of time, place, and emotion.
• 😀 Ugui Suiro is not just a color, but the green of a bird hidden in bamboo shadows, a specific moment of nature.
• 😀 Tokiwa represents the idea of permanence — a green that doesn’t change, even under snow.
• 😀 In the 17th century, during Japan's Edo period, rulers restricted bright colors, leading to a quiet rebellion in the form of nuanced shades of brown and gray.
• 😀 Names for colors like Sakura Nezu capture the essence of fleeting beauty, like the ghost of cherry blossoms in gray.
• 😀 Japanese tradition uses layering, not mixing paint, to create color. The subtle layers of silk are used to represent changing seasons.
• 😀 The concept of layering light to create color existed in Japan long before modern digital systems adopted the idea of layers.
• 😀 Colors like Murasaki Kusa, a purple from a rare root, were reserved for high ranks due to their fragile, fleeting nature.
• 😀 Fading is not seen as a defect in Japan, but rather as a biography, a record of time and transformation, as seen in traditional indigo dyes.
• 😀 Although we have millions of colors today, some of the most beautiful colors are unnamed — like the colors of fading memory or a fleeting moment.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the script?

The central theme of the script revolves around the unique relationship between color, memory, and perception in Japanese culture. It explores how colors are not merely visual, but also emotional, temporal, and tied to specific moments in time and nature.

Why does the script emphasize the idea of naming colors in Japan?

The script emphasizes naming colors as a way to capture and preserve fleeting moments. In Japan, colors are seen as temporal markers, each with its own emotional and environmental context. Naming them helps to remember and experience these moments again, making the world infinitely richer and more detailed.

What is the significance of 'Mono' in the script?

'Mono' refers to the Japanese concept of the transient, the ephemeral, and the fleeting nature of life. It represents the impermanence of the world and how, through the lens of color and memory, we can find beauty in the impermanent.

How do Japanese color names differ from Western color names?

Japanese color names are not just labels for hues but are deeply embedded in time, place, and emotion. While Western color names are often based on brightness or shade (e.g., light green, dark green), Japanese names, like 'Ugui Suiro' or 'Moi,' evoke specific moments in nature, creating a deeper emotional resonance.

What does the script suggest about the relationship between color and memory?

The script suggests that color plays a crucial role in memory, serving as a trigger for recalling specific moments and feelings. It highlights that by naming and understanding colors, one can create lasting emotional and temporal connections, making color a vessel for preserving memories.

Why were colors like red, purple, and gold removed from everyday life in 17th century Edo Japan?

During the 17th century in Edo Japan, rulers sought to impose austerity and control by limiting the use of vivid colors. They believed that the abundance of bright colors led to decadence and moral decline. As a result, colors like red, purple, and gold were forbidden in everyday life, though they still had symbolic meanings.

What is the concept of kasane in Japanese culture?

Kasane refers to the Japanese technique of layering colors through the use of textiles. Instead of mixing paints, Japan developed a system where colors were created through the interaction of light and layered materials. This approach reflected the dynamic and changing nature of the world.

What is the significance of the color Murasaki in Japan?

Murasaki, a rich purple color, was once derived from a fragile and rare root, Murasaki kusa. Due to its difficulty to produce and its impermanence, it became a symbol of high status, reserved for nobility. The color’s elusive and delicate nature added to its mystique and cultural importance.

How does the script define the concept of 'fading' in relation to color?

In the script, fading is not seen as a defect but as a biography. The gradual disappearance of color, such as the fading of indigo over time, is viewed as a natural process, a record of experiences and memories. Fading represents the passage of time and life itself.

What is the meaning behind the idea of 'Japan Blue' in the script?

'Japan Blue' refers to the deep, transformative shades of indigo that change over time. Starting with dark, deep indigo ('Nasukon'), it fades into lighter hues like 'Kachiro' and eventually 'Kame noi.' This progression symbolizes the passage of time and the deep connection between people, nature, and color in Japanese culture.