Chrysanthemum

Tomorrow marks the 27th anniversary of the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake which devastated the city of Kobe. Memorial preparations are underway. Although, once again, attendance at the early morning memorial event is discouraged due to the rise of omicron.

The chrysanthemum is the Imperial Family Emblem. It is on the 50 yen coin. The symbolic chrysanthemum appears on government seals, to represent the Chrysanthemum Throne, it’s embossed on the front of Japanese passports, and as the highest order given by the Emperor of Japan, the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum.

In Japan, a white chrysanthemum is considered the proper flower for a funeral, making this touching display very appropriate.