Asa no Ha (Asanoha), Asanoha, hemp leaves
Although hemp has been largely stigmatized around the world since the end of World War II, hemp was a permanent part of cultures around the world for up to 10,000 years.
Repeating geometric hemp leaf pattern, made of beige lines on green.
Hemp was also the main source of fabric in Japan until cotton was introduced. Hemp kimonos are more difficult to find than almost all other fabrics due to the strict limits on growing hemp both in Japan and around the world. In just a couple of months, hemp can grow much taller than the average person.
Solid color orange hemp leaf pattern (iromuji).
Therefore, the hemp leaf pattern is used on children’s clothing to wish the child to grow up quickly and healthily. Traditionally it has also been used to ward off evil spirits, which is why the print has been used on maternity clothes.
Abstract version of the hemp leaf pattern, with the outer hexagon becoming more circular.
“Here’s the hall” is also used in furisodes for the coming-of-age ceremony (Seijin no Hi – Our Day) to represent a boy coming of age.
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