[Explanation of a color]

Usuasagi (薄浅葱) refers to a pale bluish-green color, derived from lightening the shade of Asagi-iro (浅葱色). It is also written as Awuasagi (淡浅葱). Asagi-iro is a traditional Japanese color dating back to the Heian period and was originally inspired by the color of young green onions (negi). However, it exhibits a lighter and more bluish tone than the actual plant.

During the Genroku (元禄期) to Shōtoku (正徳期) eras of the Edo period, Asagi-iro became a fashionable color, leading to the creation of many derivative shades. Examples include Mizuasagi (水浅葱), a bluish variation; Sabiasagi (錆浅葱), a muted tone; and Hanaasagi (花浅葱), with floral undertones. Usuasagi also originated from the term “light Asagi-iro,” which became established as a standalone color name. Conversely, a darker shade known as Koiasagi (濃浅葱) also exists.

The cool and refreshing tone of Usuasagi gives it an elegant and refined appearance, making it a popular color even today.

-read: Usuasagi-