At the beginning, the chrysanthemum was grown in Japan as medicinal plants, thus becoming a symbol for long life. In time, it also became a potted ornamental plant, and many chrysanthemum arrangements started to appear.

At the end of the Edo period, a gardener from Edo made the first chrysanthemum doll, kiku-ningyo, starting a trend that became popular all over the country. Photographed here is a Taiko drummer made of chrysanthemums, seen at the Kokura castle.

Kiku ningyo, Kokura Castle, Kokura

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Meguro River pink illumination