Symbols of Iwaki
UPDATE 2009/10/15
About Iwaki City
The name of the Iwaki area has long been written with three different sets of Chinese characters, all pronounced Iwaki. Thus in order to avoid confusion, the name of Iwaki today is written in hiragana, the Japanese syllabic alphabet. The hiragana word Iwaki (いわき) can be found in Japan's first code of laws, the Article Constitution written by Prince Shotoku in 605 and was used to mean 'harmony'. Thus the hiragana version was chosen to symbolise the unity of the people. The emblems of Iwaki also utilise the
hiragana characters to emphasise this unity.
Iwaki City Emblem
This emblem was formalised in 1967, on October 1st, and has, since then, been used to represent the city of Iwaki. It is in the shape of the first character い (i) in the word Iwaki (いわき). The circle formed in the centre of the character is intended to represent the development, unity and peace of Iwaki City as a whole.
Iwaki City Symbol-mark
This is a much newer symbol, and was formalised on November 10th, 1992.It is used to represent the more recent idea of "Sunshine City Iwaki". Although it also uses the い (i) of Iwaki (いわき), the circle in the background of this symbol represents the sun.
い: The active shape of the い is used to portray the shape of a person and is intended to symbolise the passion, vitality and power of the people of Iwaki.The sun: the representation of the sun symbolises the concept of a bright future for the people, the city and the environment of Iwaki The Colours: Red is used to represent the plentiful energy in Iwaki, and blue is used to represent the idea that, like the ocean of Iwaki, the possibilities of the city are limitless.
Tree Symbol of Iwaki - Japanese Black Pine
The Japanese Black Pine was designated as the official City Tree in 1971 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the foundation of Iwaki City.
Flower Symbol of Iwaki - Azalea
The azalea was chosen as the official City Flower in 1973 to commemorate the completion of the construction of Iwaki City Hall.
Bird Symbol of Iwaki - Seagull
The seagull was selected as the official City Bird in 1996, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the foundation of Iwaki City. It symbolises Iwaki's proximity to the ocean.
Fish Symbol of Iwaki - Mehikari
The mehikari was chosen as the official City Fish in 2001. Literally meaning "eye lights", the name mehikari came from the fact that the fish has large, shiny, emerald green eyes.
Enquiries
City Exchange Section, Division of Coordination and Citizenry Affairs
TEL : 0246-22-7415 FAX : 0246-22-7609 Email Enquiries
