TSURU Grace and Elegance Personified

Symbolism of the Crane in Japan

The tsuru, which is a Japanese term for crane, takes on an important role in Japanese mythology. In Japan, the crane represents a lot of traits, values, and virtues. Its appearance, behavior, and the myths surrounding its existence all contribute to this symbolism. He is associated with good luck, longevity, fidelity, happiness, strength, auspiciousness, hope and peace.

Origami Cranes: Folding Peace and Hope in Japanese Tradition

In general, origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. However, the making of a paper crane or orizuru, is its most meaningful form. Origami cranes are folded as symbols of peace, healing, and remembrance. There is a cultural belief that one who folds a thousand cranes will experience good luck for all eternity and will also have their wishes granted by the gods. That is why origami cranes are offered to sick or injured people as a way to wish them good luck and a speedy recovery.

Crane in Japanese Art: A Symbol of Beauty and Inspirationt

For centuries, there have been countless depictions of cranes in Japanese art, ranging from ancient scrolls and paintings to contemporary designs. These art pieces reflect their enduring allure and embody their cultural symbolism. In textile art and designs, the crane makes appearances in uchikake kimono (traditional Japanese bridal gowns), obi, and other traditional wear. These fashion items are typically decorated with embroidered images of white cranes to symbolize fidelity, longevity, and good luck during traditional ceremonies.

The natural beauty of cranes is also celebrated with the art of pottery, where people make ceramic and porcelain wares with images of the stunning birds. You’ll find hand-drawn designs on cups, bulbous vases, casks, bowls, and barrels. During the Meiji period (1868–1912), high-quality metal work inspired by cranes was quite popular. These pieces ranged from bronze sculptures to mixed-metal kettles and vases.

The crane is also depicted in wall and floor screens, woodblock prints, paintings, and scrolls that decorate temples, shrines, palaces, and the homes of the Japanese elite. Sosaku kokeshi, which are modern versions of the ancient armless and pin-shaped dolls, are often designed with crane images and given to married couples as gifts. Photographers are not left out, as many of them take pictures of the famous red-crowned crane and sell them online or in art galleries.

Crane Conservation Efforts in Japan: Protecting a National Treasure

Since the turn of the 20th century, there have been multiple conservation efforts by the Japanese government, non-profit groups, and local residents to preserve these majestic birds for future generations. All these became necessary when the most revered crane species, the red-crowned crane, neared global extinction. At the time, there were 4,000 of them left worldwide and only 36 in Japan. Over the decades, the creation of sanctuaries and other conservation efforts in Kushiro, where the remaining birds were found, has helped bolster the number of red-crowned cranes in Japan to over 1,900.