Description iCe and Natsugori(夏氷)
This design is an artist’s interpretation of the traditional Japanese motif known as “Natsugori” (夏氷). When summer arrives in Japan, shops hang these flags to signal, “We’re selling shaved ice!”
The word “ice” written in red at the center is actually the Japanese character for ‘ice’ (氷), rendered in bi-calligraphy—Japanese written in alphabet letters. Did you recognize it as “ice”?
The background features the traditional auspicious pattern “Waves and Plovers.” As the artist’s arrangement, a white background—which could be seen as cumulus clouds or large shaved ice—surrounds the red text. Additionally, besides this large red text, smaller text reads ‘ice’ (アイス in katakana) and “koori” (こおり in hiragana). See if you can find them. The original “Natsubori” design didn’t include these smaller characters. It’s the artist’s playful touch.
Almost every Japanese person recognizes this color combination and pattern.
Store managers and owners thinking of selling Japanese shaved ice to Japanese tourists in the future, please use this to promote your offerings.
But that’s not all. If local tourists recognize the red characters as “ice,” they’ll understand it’s authentic Japanese shaved ice.
