With the explosive popularity of the anime "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," traditional Japanese patterns (wagara) such as the checkered pattern of the main character, Tanjiro Kamado and the hemp leaf pattern of his sister Nezuko have attracted worldwide attention. Did you know that these patterns are not just designs, but auspicious motifs that have long embodied people’s wishes and wisdom?
In this article, we will clearly explain the history and deep meanings of the patterns that adorn the characters of Demon Slayer, as well as other representative auspicious motifs such as Seigaiha (blue ocean waves), Shippo (seven treasures), and Karakusa (arabesque), which symbolize wishes for longevity and prosperity.
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An Immortal and Auspicious Pattern! "Ichimatsu Pattern"(Checkered Design)
Characteristics
The Ichimatsu pattern is a design in which squares are arranged alternately in a regular vertical and horizontal grid. The colors can vary, including monochrome black and white, green and black, red and white, and more. It is widely used in kimono, obi, ceramics, family crests, crafts, and architectural designs, making it one of Japan’s most representative traditional patterns.
History and Meaning
The name "Ichimatsu pattern" became widespread in the Edo period after the kabuki actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu used this design for his stage costume. Before that, it was known as "Ishidatami-mon" (stone pavement pattern).
The uninterrupted sequence of squares symbolizes "eternal prosperity," "prosperity of descendants," and "business development," making it an auspicious pattern.
Its regularity and sense of stability also give it meanings such as "perpetuity" and "order."
In recent years, it was also used in the emblem for the 32nd Olympic Games (2020/Tokyo).
Related Anime Character: Tanjiro Kamado from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba"
The haori (a traditional Japanese jacket) worn by Tanjiro Kamado, the main character of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba," is designed with a "black and green Ichimatsu pattern." With the massive success of the series, the image of the Ichimatsu pattern has become strongly associated with Tanjiro.
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Wishing for Children's Growth: "Asanoha Pattern" (Hemp Leaf Pattern)
Characteristics
The Asanoha pattern is a geometric design based on hexagons. It consists of lines radiating from a regular hexagon, and is named for its resemblance to hemp leaves.
History and Meaning
The history of the Asanoha (hemp leaf) pattern is ancient, and it can be seen in the decorations of Buddhist statues and architecture from the Nara and Heian periods. From the Kamakura to the Edo period, it spread among common people and was especially popular as a small pattern (komon) during the Edo period.
Hemp is a plant that grows quickly, straight, and strong. For this reason, the Asanoha pattern has long been cherished as an auspicious motif, especially used for baby clothes to wish for healthy growth.
Related Anime Character: Nezuko Kamado from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba"
Nezuko Kamado's kimono in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" features a pink Asanoha (hemp leaf) pattern. In the story, Nezuko's earnestness and growth are depicted, making the meaning of the Asanoha pattern a perfect match for her character.
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The Power of Rebirth and Protection from Evil: "Uroko Pattern" (Scale Pattern)
Characteristics
The Uroko (scale) pattern consists of regular triangles arranged continuously up, down, left, and right. It is called the scale pattern because it resembles the scales of fish or snakes.
History and Meaning
The Uroko pattern has existed since the Heian period and has been used in shrine decorations and Noh costumes. Scales are associated with snakes and dragons, and since these creatures repeatedly shed their skin, they symbolize "rebirth" and "protection from evil." For this reason, the Uroko pattern is believed to have the meaning of warding off evil and misfortune.
Related Anime Character: Zenitsu Agatsuma from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba"
Zenitsu Agatsuma's haori (a traditional Japanese jacket) in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" features the Uroko (scale) pattern. Although Zenitsu is usually timid and cowardly, he awakens in critical moments to protect his friends, making this "protective" pattern a perfect fit for him.
👉Watch "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" on DVD/Blu-ray!
A Symbol of Longevity and Good Fortune: "Kikko Pattern" (Tortoise Shell Pattern)
Characteristics
This pattern, made up of tessellated hexagons, is called the "Kikko" (Tortoise shell) pattern because it resembles a turtle's shell. The hexagon itself has a strong sense of stability, and its resemblance to natural forms such as honeycombs and shells is the reason for its name.
History and Meaning
This pattern was introduced from China and used in treasures of the Shosoin and temple architecture during the Nara period. In the Heian period, it was used for aristocratic clothing and family crests. By the Edo period, it had spread to the general public, appearing on komon (fine-patterned kimono), fusuma (sliding doors), ceramics, and more.
Because turtles are symbols of longevity, the Kikko pattern is considered to represent wishes for long life, prosperity, and stability.
Related Anime Character: Giyu Tomioka from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba"
Giyu Tomioka's haori in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" features a "katamigawari" design, combining a green-based Kikko pattern with a plain reddish-brown fabric. The use of different colors and patterns on each side may suggest the complexity of the character's circumstances. Additionally, since the haori combines those of his late fellow disciple Sabito and his older sister Tsutako, it is thought to express his feelings and struggles regarding those who have passed away.
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Passion and Vitality: "Japanese Flame Pattern"
Characteristics
The Japanese flame pattern is a design that repeats the flickering of flames. It expresses blazing fire using curves and sharp angles. Compared to other geometric patterns, it is more organic and dynamic.
History and Meaning
This pattern was widely used in Buddhist art during the Nara and Heian periods. In particular, it appears in the "kaen kohai" (flame halo) behind Buddhist statues.
Fire is believed to burn away evil and protect Buddhist law, symbolizing purification, rebirth, and strength.
Related Anime Character: Kyojuro Rengoku from "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba"
The hem of Kyojuro Rengoku's haori from Demon Slayer features a blazing flame pattern design. This motif expresses both Kyojuro Rengoku's Flame Breathing form and his character.
👉Purchase a Kyojuro Rengoku Action Figure
Wishing for Everlasting Happiness: "Seigaiha" (Blue Ocean Waves Pattern)
Characteristics
Seigaiha is a geometric pattern made up of concentric semicircles arranged in a wave-like horizontal sequence. The regular overlapping arches create a wave motif.
The typical color scheme is indigo and white, but the pattern is also widely used in gold leaf, maki-e lacquerware, and yuzen dyeing.
History and Meaning
Seigaiha is said to have originated from wave patterns that developed in China and Western Asia. It was introduced to Japan via the Silk Road, and after the Heian period, it evolved into its current form as it was used on clothing and utensils.
Inspired by the image of endless, gentle waves, it symbolizes eternal happiness, prosperity of descendants, and safe voyages.
Symbol of Harmony and Connection: "Shippo Pattern" (Seven Treasures Pattern)
Characteristics
Shippo is a net-like pattern created by overlapping circles of the same size, each shifted by a quarter both vertically and horizontally. Variations of the shippo pattern include hana shippo (flower shippo), wachigai shippo (interlaced shippo), and shippo with hanabishi (diamond-shaped flowers).
History and Meaning
From the Muromachi to the Edo period, the shippo pattern became widely used to fill empty spaces on kimono and lacquerware.
In Buddhism, "shippo" refers to the seven treasures described in the sutras: gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, giant clam shell, coral, and agate. These treasures symbolize the splendor of the Pure Land, the ideal Buddhist world, and are also used as symbols of wealth and prosperity. The shippo pattern spread as an auspicious motif for good fortune.
Symbol of Vitality and Progeny: "Karakusa Pattern" (Arabesque Pattern)
Characteristics
Karakusa is a pattern where vine-like plants curve in S or C shapes, intertwining leaves and flowers as they grow.
A typical example is the "green background with white karakusa" pattern seen on furoshiki wrapping cloths. Because the karakusa pattern connects and spreads, it is well-suited for covering entire surfaces.
History and Meaning
This plant motif originated in ancient Greece and was introduced to Japan via China. It was used in architecture and furnishings from the Nara to Heian periods, and became a classic furoshiki (Japanese traditional wrapping cloth) pattern in the Edo period.
Because the vines extend in all directions, the pattern is considered auspicious, symbolizing longevity, prosperity, family fortune, and safe travels.
In Japanese anime and manga, the karakusa pattern is also well-known as the "furoshiki pattern carried by thieves." This association arose in the Showa era, when almost every household had a karakusa-patterned furoshiki, so thieves could carry them without arousing suspicion.
Good Fortune for Marriage, Graduation, and New Beginnings: "Yagasuri" (Arrow Feather Pattern):
Characteristics
Yagasuri is a pattern featuring the repeated vertical motif of arrow feathers. Classic color combinations include deep red and off-white, or indigo and white. The style is most famously associated with female students from the late Meiji to early Showa periods (late 19th to early 20th century), who wore it with hakama skirts.
History and Meaning
Yagasuri became popular from the late Edo to Meiji periods, and by the Taisho era, it had become the representative pattern for female students’ hakama and graduation attire. Since arrows do not return once shot, the pattern symbolizes “strength of will,” “single-mindedness,” “bonds that do not return (good luck for marriage),” and “achievement of goals.”
Japan’s National Flower: "Sakura Pattern"
Characteristics
This is a general term for designs featuring cherry blossoms, including five-petaled flowers, scattered petals, and weeping cherry branches. The pattern strongly evokes the season, and is often set against pale pink, light cherry, or white backgrounds. Gold and silver foil or embroidery are also used to enhance its beauty.
History and Meaning
The cherry blossom, Japan’s national flower, became central to flower-viewing culture from the Nara to Heian periods, spreading into court literature and clothing designs. By the Edo period, it was widely used in komon (fine patterns), maki-e (gold lacquer), and netsuke (miniature sculptures). Sakura symbolizes “beauty,” “prosperity,” “transience,” “new beginnings,” and “warding off evil (spring purification),” making it a classic motif for celebratory attire and for graduation and school entrance seasons.
Symbol of Marital Harmony and Good Fortune: “Chidori Goushi" (Houndstooth Check)
Characteristics
This is a checkered pattern where two colors, such as black and white, form “broken squares” that interlock diagonally. The continuous shapes resemble flocks of small water birds called “chidori,” which is how the pattern got its name.
It is commonly used in wool twill fabrics for suits, coats, and capes.
History and Meaning
The tweed pattern originated in Scotland and spread to Japan with the adoption of Western clothing after the Meiji period. It became a standard pattern for school uniforms and women’s clothing during the Showa era.
In Japanese, “chidori” (千鳥) can also be read as “chidori”(千取り,to win many times), so the pattern is sometimes used as a good luck charm.
A Pattern for Protection and Warding Off Evil: “Kagome Pattern” (Basket Weave Pattern)
Characteristics
Originating from the weave of bamboo baskets, this pattern features intersecting equilateral triangles that form hexagrams (kagome stars) or hexagonal grids.
It has a linear, sharp impression, and like the asanoha (hemp leaf) pattern, is based on a lattice of equilateral triangles.
History and Meaning
It originated from the weave of baskets and has been used in latticework of shrines and temples, family crests, and protective amulets.
The hexagram that appears in the center is likened to an “eye,” and is drawn on doorways and ritual implements as a symbol to ward off evil, create boundaries, and protect against the evil eye.
Traditional Japanese Patterns Carry Cultural Messages That Express Feelings And Wishes
Traditional Japanese patterns (wagara) are not just beautiful designs. They are messages from Japanese culture itself, embodying heartfelt wishes and wisdom passed down through generations, such as “may you live a long life,” “may you be happy,” and “may you avoid misfortune.”
Patterns like ichimatsu and asanoha, which have gained renewed attention thanks to “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” can be enjoyed on a deeper level by understanding their meanings.
If you live in Japan or plan to visit, take a closer look at the items around you. From kimono and furoshiki wrapping cloths to ceramics and even architectural details, you’ll discover countless traditional patterns.
When you learn the meaning behind your favorite pattern, it becomes more than just a souvenir. It turns into a charm imbued with wishes for things like “eternal prosperity” or “healthy growth.”
What kind of wishes are woven into the next Japanese item you choose?
References:
nippon.com "Traditional Japanese Patterns" (Published: 2023.11.18, Updated: 2025.05.23)
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