Story of Cohana’s 5 Basic Colors: FUKAGAWANEZU

Japan has more than 460 traditional colors, each named after the landscapes and natural beauty of the changing seasons.

From this rich palette, Cohana carefully selected five signature colors inspired by the beauty, culture, and aesthetic sensibilities of Japan.

For our products, we use simple color names such as Yellow, Pink, Green, Blue, and Gray. Each of these colors is inspired by a traditional Japanese color with its own unique name and story.

Discover the story of FUKAGAWANEZU, one of Cohana's five signature colors, along with a selection of items in this beautiful shade. 

A light gray with a hint of light blue, FUKAGAWANEZU takes its name from a kimono color once favored by stylish young men and geiko in the Fukagawa district of Edo (present-day Tokyo). It embodies the refined Japanese aesthetic of iki—an understated elegance that values simplicity, sophistication, and quiet charm.

There's a saying, Shijuhaccha Hyaku Nezumi, which literally means "48 browns and 100 grays." The phrase reflects the remarkable variety of brown and gray shades created by the townspeople of Edo. In fact, it is believed that even more shades existed than the numbers suggest.

The reason so many shades of brown and gray emerged lies in the Edo government's Shashi-Kinshirei, or sumptuary laws, which prohibited extravagance. Strict regulations were imposed on the colors, patterns, and fabrics that commoners were allowed to wear.

Only brown, gray, and indigo blue were exempt from these restrictions. Rather than giving up on fashion, the people of Edo explored countless subtle variations within these permitted colors, creating an extraordinary range of browns, grays, and blues. Through this creativity, the Japanese developed a refined sensitivity to subtle differences in color and a deep appreciation for their beauty.

During the Edo period (1603–1868), fires were a frequent occurrence. Since most houses were built of wood, paper, and clay, even a small fire could quickly spread throughout the city. For this reason, people avoided the word "hai" (灰), meaning "ash," because it reminded them of fire and was considered inauspicious. Instead, they used "nezu" (鼠), meaning "mouse," to describe shades of gray.

This is why traditional Japanese colors from the Edo period are filled with subdued, sophisticated tones, in contrast to the brighter and more vibrant colors that characterized earlier periods, from the Heian through the Momoyama era.

Understanding the history behind these colors allows us to appreciate them even more, as they beautifully reflect the values, lifestyle, and aesthetic sensibilities of the people of Edo.

FUKAGAWANEZU tools bring a refined, understated elegance to your sewing time. Their cool, sophisticated tones bring a quiet sense of refinement to your handwork time. 

Add a FUKAGAWANEZU tool to your next project, or create a beautifully coordinated sewing box by collecting other tools in the same elegant shade.