Symbols of Aichi Prefecture

When aristocrat and poet Ariwara Narihira (9th century) visited the region now known as Yatsuhashi in Chiryu City, he was deeply impressed with the beauty of the area, known for its abundance of irises. He composed a poem with each line beginning with one of the syllables which make up the word for iris in Japanese: ka-ki-tsu-ba-ta (Source: the Tales of Ise).

The iris was chosen as our prefectural flower in 1954.

The red maple is native to Aichi and other parts of central Japan. A virgin forest of red maples at the base of Mt. Chausuyama, Toyone Village, is designated as a national natural heritage.

The red maple was chosen as our prefectural tree in 1966.

The characteristic call of this migratory owl has brought nationwide recognition to Mt. Horaiji, one of Aichi’s most beautiful mountains.

In 1965, the scops owl was chosen as our prefectural bird.

The “Kuruma” (wheel) prawn was named for its resemblance to a tire when it rolls up.

It was chosen as the prefectural fish in 1990.

This emblem symbolizes the waves of the Pacific Ocean, representing Aichi’s attention to international relations. This design also incorporates the Japanese characters “あいち” for the name of Aichi.

It was adopted in 1950.