After talking to you about traditional floral patterns and geometric patterns, I couldn’t skip the animal motifs; they are also very present in Japanese culture.

So, let's get started with the overview!

Cranes or tsuru

The crane motif in Japan is very widespread and has a special meaning dear to the hearts of all Japanese people. Indeed, the crane, this graceful animal, is a symbol of longevity and good fortune because in mythology the crane lives 1,000 years.

In Japan, everyone knows the legend that their dearest wish will come true if they manage to fold 1,000 cranes in origami. And everyone knows the story of Sadako Sasaki, a very young girl born in 1943 in Hiroshima, who folded 644 cranes in origami at the age of 12 in the hope of curing her leukemia. Unfortunately, Sadako died before reaching her goal and became a symbol of peace throughout Japan in the fight against atomic weapons. Even today, throughout Japan, origami cranes are sent to the city of Hiroshima for the Peace Memorial, where Sadako also has a statue in her likeness. 

The crane is a large bird with a long neck and long legs. Its feathers are mostly white, and the top of its head is black and red. When the pattern features a pair of cranes, it symbolizes a strong and happy marriage; because the crane is monogamous and lives with its partner for life. 

In the shop, you will find a collection of pretty cotton fabrics with crane patterns.

Dragonflies or tombo 

The dragonfly is very common in Japan, which has many lakes and rivers. It is therefore not surprising that the dragonfly has found its way into traditional patterns. The dragonfly is a symbol of summer; in fact, you will mostly find it printed on yukata (the traditional summer garment and Japanese festival attire).
The dragonfly was once especially appreciated by the samurai because the dragonfly never flies backward, just like the samurai before the enemy. The dragonfly indeed has the particularity of not being able to fly backward. Because of this characteristic, it became a symbol of strength, courage, and victory. Even today, Japanese mothers like to use this motif to sew clothes for little boys. 

The peacock or kujaku

The peacock is also a traditional motif adorning kimonos. The peacock is more of a feminine motif and is associated with love, education, goodwill, and attentiveness.  

The rabbit or usagi 

The rabbit motif is very widespread in Japan. Most often, these are white rabbits. The rabbit symbolizes devotion and intelligence in Japan.

Many Japanese temples incorporate rabbit iconography in their statues, especially in Izumo. 

There is also the concept of the moon rabbit, a form of rabbit that can be seen on the moon. This rabbit has a cult following in Asia and among the Aztecs. Even today, this folklore appears in pop culture in Japan. Traces of it can be found in manga, notably Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball. 

The butterfly or cho 

The butterfly symbolizes evolution. Indeed, through its transformation cycle from caterpillar to butterfly, this insect symbolizes change; this is also why it is widely used for young girls (who become women).

The butterfly is also associated with the final journey. Indeed, a popular belief says that the spirits of the dead begin their journey to the other world in the form of a butterfly.

Finally, a pair of fluttering butterflies represents happiness within marriage.

The tanuki or raccoon dog 

The tanuki, or raccoon dog, is a Japanese animal that resembles a raccoon.

It is an animal extremely present in Japanese folklore. The tanuki is considered a yokai, a mischievous spirit that can torment humans. The tanuki is a rather friendly yokai capable of changing its appearance. The tanuki is much loved by the Japanese because it is benevolent and brings prosperity and success.

It is also very often seen in shop windows. 

The cat or maneki neko / neko 

The cat is appreciated in Asia because it is considered a bearer of luck, happiness, wealth, and prosperity. Lucky cats, or maneki neko, have been created from this. This cat raises its right paw as a sign of welcome. It is very often found in front of shops. 

So, we have looked together at the animals most often depicted on Japanese fabrics. There are many more. 

I hope you enjoyed this article.