Beni Red

The representative red of Japan, derived from safflower dye, more orange-leaning than Chinese red

HEX#D9384A

RGBrgb(217, 56, 74)

HSLhsl(353, 68%, 54%)

HSVhsv(353, 74%, 85%)

CMYKcmyk(0%, 74%, 66%, 15%)

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RGBArgba(217, 56, 74, 1)

HSLAhsla(353, 68%, 54%, 1)

OKLCHoklch(72.7%, 0.134, 11)

LCHlch(66.4%, 37.1, 9)

🎨 Color Palettes

Analogous2-3 adjacent hues (≤60°)

Triadic3 hues spaced 120° apart

Split ComplementaryMain color + colors adjacent to its complement

Complementary2 hues spaced 180° apart

Tetradic (Rectangle)4 hues forming a rectangle

MonochromaticSingle hue with varying saturation and lightness

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Standard Text

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Suitable for regular body content, meeting WCAG AA standards

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Large Text / UI Components

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#4DD93ARatio 2.4:1Fail

Suitable for decorative elements, dividers, non-essential text

📊 Color Scales

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Lightness VariationFixed hue and saturation, stepwise lightness adjustment ±30%

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Saturation VariationFixed hue and lightness, stepwise saturation adjustment ±30%

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Lightness + Saturation Mixed VariationSimultaneous lightness and saturation adjustment

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Hue Fine-TuningFixed saturation and lightness, stepwise hue fine-tuning ±15°

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💡 Use Cases

⛩️

Torii Gates and Shrines

The thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine form a tunnel of beni red. Sunlight filtering through the red is particularly breathtaking, a quintessential Japanese landscape.

👘

Shrine Maiden Attire

The red hakama and white top of shrine maidens are the sacred colors of Shinto. The red represents the sun and life.

🍱

Bento Color Scheme

A pickled plum (umeboshi) placed in the center of white rice creates the Japanese flag bento. Simple, yet it inspires national pride.

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Festive Decorations

Red and white striped curtains (kouhaku maku) are standard for Japanese festivals and celebrations. The alternating stripes are both festive and solemn.

📜 Origin & History

Beni red is Japan's most representative red, derived from safflower petals. Safflower was introduced from China during the Asuka period, and Yamagata Prefecture remains a major production area today.

In the Heian period, beni red was an essential color for noble women's twelve-layer court robes. The layering of red and purple was a color combination for court ladies. The high cost of safflower dye made beni red a status symbol.

During the Edo period, beni red spread among commoners, though the shogunate repeatedly issued sumptuary laws restricting its use. Edo women's passion for beni red was repeatedly banned, showing its immense charm.

Japanese lipstick (kuchibeni) red also originates from safflower. Beni houses in Kyoto still produce safflower lipstick using ancient methods, each one taking months to complete.

Modern beni red is the color of the Japanese flag (the 'Hinomaru') and countless shrine torii gates. Beni red has become the chromatic soul of the Japanese nation.

🧠 Color Psychology

Warm SunshineBeni red, leaning toward orange, is as warm as winter sunlight. The warmth of Japanese beni red comes from the natural, botanical breath of safflower dye.

Feminine SoftnessBeni red has been the beloved color of Japanese women for a millennium. From Heian noblewomen to modern office ladies, beni red carries women's dreams of beauty.

National IdentityThe beni red of the Japanese flag is a condensation of national spirit. Seeing it evokes identification with and pride in the island nation's culture.

Festive CelebrationTorii gates, sacred rope (shimenawa), and gift envelopes (shūgi-bukuro) all use beni red. The red-and-white combination is Japan's top-tier festive color scheme.

Artisan DevotionSafflower-dyed beni red is the fruit of artisan handiwork. Every piece of red cloth condenses the warmth of time and skill.

Vital BeautyBeni red, like the rising sun in the east, symbolizes life force. The red torii gates of Shinto shrines are the life passage connecting the worlds of humans and gods.

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