The name Akane-iro (madder red) comes from the plant known as akane in Japanese.

Madder is a perennial climbing plant that grows in fields and mountains. Its roots contain red pigments and have been used as a dye since ancient times.

The red produced by madder is different from vivid vermilion. It is a deep, subdued red with a subtle yellowish undertone.

Since ancient times, this color has been used in Japanese clothing and textiles. Yet the story of the red derived from this plant extends far beyond Japan.

Known as madder in English, this plant has long been used as a natural dye in many parts of the world.

It was used in ancient Egypt and India, and red dyes were also produced from madder roots in Europe.

A red born from a single plant, taking on the colors of different cultures and their distinct senses of beauty as it travels across lands.

In Japanese, it is akane. In English, it is madder. This red has done more than color fabrics; over centuries, it has become part of people's lives, clothing, and art.

Even today, the Japanese expression akane-iro no sora — “a madder-red sky” — evokes the beauty of the evening sky at dusk.

A red born from a plant. A red born from the earth. And a red that colors the sky at the end of the day.

Madder red is a quiet, warm red, born from the meeting of nature and human life.