Fine Papers｜MERMAID / MERMAID-FS

MERMAID / MERMAID-FS

1.Items handed out at Mermaid Wave exhibition, 2020
2.Book Jacket: Senses Vol. 51 “UMI” (Ocean), 2019
3.PAPER Characters 009 MERMAID, 2020

A feltmark is the surface structure imparted to paper at the paper mill by using felt with a woven pattern that transfers to the surface of the paper. MERMAID, which was designed and launched in 1956 under the editorial supervision of designer Hara Hiromu (1903-1986) is a feltmarked fine paper produced by machine in Japan.

The resemblance of the feltmark to gentle waves inspired the paper’s name, and it was launched as MERMAID RIPPLE, recalling the gentle waves of a sea where mermaids live. Then, in 1960, it became known simply as MERMAID.

In 1999, it became established as a brand with a rich variety of colors and weights that were selected under the editorial supervision of graphic designer Tanaka Ikko (1930-2002). In 2019, it adopted a more systematic line-up, offering 60 colors based on six color themes in three weights. In 2022, MERMAID 1091 x 788 mm S/G 279gsm became FSC-certified paper. MERMAID’s exciting colors and textures are loved by many, from professionals to personal users.

MERMAID’s features

In addition to being used for a wide range of applications, including painting, papercrafts, cards, packaging, and paper for use in bookbinding, special versions include MERMAID for watercolor painting (DRAWING MERMAID) and the inkjet paper DEEP PVD1 MERMAID.

Storage
MERMAID comes in many colors that are acid-free^*, offering excellent preservation because it does not use chemicals such as aluminum sulfate or alum, which are significant factors contributing to paper degradation. (Some colors are not acid-free.) Acid-free MERMAID paper is ideally suited to long-term storage because it is made with high-quality pulp and resists creasing well.

* Acid-free (TAKEO definition): Paper whose manufacturing procedure does not involve adding aluminum sulfate or alum.
The following colors are not acid-free: iwai-beni, black, coffee beans, chocolat, deep sea, dark safari, NEO citron, NEO pink, NEO flamingo, cordoba brown, and royal violet.

Six color themes
The color palette of 60 colors consists of six themes—INNOCENT, ORGANIC, JAPANESQUE, POP, FORMAL, and CLASSIC.
The abundant variety of colors spanning three weights expand the possibilities for the wide range of uses MERMAID can be put to.

INNOCENT

frosty white

This is cool, translucent white brings to mind a frozen world blanketed in white on a morning when frost covers the ground. Of all of the white MERMAID colors, this one, which is tinged with a hint of blue, feels the hardest, and possesses a dignified strength. It also conveys a sense of minimalism, and feels very clean.
snow white

The term snow white has been used since long ago to describe a pure white color like snow. White objects reflect all color, and this spotless, righteous white is seen as a symbol of a pure, noble heart and peace.
silk

This soft white is like the color of a cocoon woven by a silkworm. Combined with MERMAID's texture of natural fiber, it creates a pleasant feel of pureness.
white

MERMAID white is the natural color of milk, which is tinged with a hint of yellow, and is not artificial. It is a gentle color that has a soft feel to it.
natural

Tinged with a hint of yellow, this color is both bright and warm. It is reminiscent of the sunlight of glorious spring and the off white seen in natural, unbleached materials. It's a refreshingly bright color that is both natural and refined.
cherry

This is the yellowish pink of cherry blossoms bursting into full bloom enveloped in bright sunshine. It also conveys a sense of something neat and cute, like the light pink color of slightly flushed cheeks.
pale peach

This is the color of the flesh of a plump, fresh peach. It is a pale color that is soft and gentle. While the Japanese term momoiro (“peach color”) refers to the color of peach blossoms, “peach” in English refers to the color of the flesh of the fruit.
cream

In Japanese, while torinokoiro (“chick color”) refers to light yellow, the color of egg yolk is referred to as tamagoiro (“egg color”). MERMAID’s tamagoiro is a pale yellow with a bright, spring-like feel to it.
mint

This is a clear, bright yellow tinged with white. Lily white is a similar color, derived from white lilies, which are seen as symbolizing purity. It's a pure color, like a glittering beacon of light.
grass

When the world of cold, white snow thaws, fresh verdure announces the arrival of warm spring. Newly sprouted fresh, yellow-green vegetation stretches upwards towards the sunlight.
melon

This is the pale green seen in the rind and flesh of a melon. Melons with refined fragrance and mellow flavor are seen as a luxury item in Japan. This limpid color with a hint of blue conveys a sense of calm, relaxation, safety, and cleanness.
regency blue

Clear water that is colorless and transparent presents as light blue with a touch of green as it reflects the sky, tuning the light. Water is indispensable, giving birth to life and providing abundant moisture. It has a color that feels pure and refreshing.
ice

This clear, pale blue feels sharp and cold, like ice. This clear, highly saturated color conveys a sense of coolness as well as high quality and splendor.
violet

This beautiful light purple is the color of violets blooming in meadows. The pansy, a member of the Violet family, is said to have derived its name from the French word penser, meaning to think deeply or ponder, because of the way it resembles a head tilted slightly, immersed in thought. This is a color that is modest, refined, and elegant.
lilac

The name of this color, which derives from the lilac flower that originated in Afghanistan and made its way to Europe, covers the whole range of light purple colors. It is known as lilas in France, where it became a fashionable color. This very fragrant flower is used as an ingredient of perfumes. The color feels soft and elegant.
light blue

The blue of the sky is constantly changing to a wide variety of colors depending on the weather and the season. The sky color of MERMAID is the kind of soft color that envelops our mild, tranquil everyday lives.
mint green

Mint is a color that derives its name from the herb and liqueur. With its greenish tones, this refreshing light blue-green color conveys a sense of being cool and invigorating.
willow green

This light yellowish green is called moegiiro in Japanese. It is a traditional Japanese color conveying youthfulness that represents life, and expresses the budding of fresh verdure gleaming in the fields and trees in spring.
lemon

This is the color of the lemon, a citrus fruit known for its sour taste. Its bright yellow color is stimulating in a delightful, refreshing way. The wonderfully fragrant lemon is also widely used for its scent and flavor.
coral

Coral, which adds color to the oceans, has been widely used in jewelry and traditional craftwork since ancient times. It comes in a wide variety of hues ranging from red to orange, and brightness ranging from vivid to pale. Soft, bright coral colors are also often found in cosmetics used on the lips and cheeks.
rose

This is the color of a pink rose. Rose can indicate different shades of red tinged with purple, such as rose red that is vivid red and rose pink that is light pink. Rose is thought to be the oldest color derived from the color of a flower, and is celebrated in the poems of Homer and Sappho.
petal pink

This is a cute, subtle pink, like the evanescent petals of a flower beginning to bloom. This cool pink combined with soft texture feels both adorable and mature.
fernleaf lavender

This very pale bluish violet evocative of a subtle fragrance arouses subtle feelings. The name derives from French Lace Lavender (Lavandula multifida), a plant with flowers in a wide variety of colors ranging from white to bluish violet.
snow blue

This is a soft, translucent blue, like clear water. Originally describing a blue like cobalt glass powder, today this term incorporating the word powder also refers to this pale, subtle color.

ORGANIC

frosty white

This is cool, translucent white brings to mind a frozen world blanketed in white on a morning when frost covers the ground. Of all of the white MERMAID colors, this one, which is tinged with a hint of blue, feels the hardest, and possesses a dignified strength. It also conveys a sense of minimalism, and feels very clean.
white

MERMAID white is the natural color of milk, which is tinged with a hint of yellow, and is not artificial. It is a gentle color that has a soft feel to it.
silk

This soft white is like the color of a cocoon woven by a silkworm. Combined with MERMAID's texture of natural fiber, it creates a pleasant feel of pureness.
mint

This is a clear, bright yellow tinged with white. Lily white is a similar color, derived from white lilies, which are seen as symbolizing purity. It's a pure color, like a glittering beacon of light.
cream

In Japanese, while torinokoiro (“chick color”) refers to light yellow, the color of egg yolk is referred to as tamagoiro (“egg color”). MERMAID’s tamagoiro is a pale yellow with a bright, spring-like feel to it.
pale peach

This is the color of the flesh of a plump, fresh peach. It is a pale color that is soft and gentle. While the Japanese term momoiro (“peach color”) refers to the color of peach blossoms, “peach” in English refers to the color of the flesh of the fruit.
ecru

Ecru is the color of unbleached raw silk, cotton, or linen fibers and fabric made from them. The name is used to convey a natural feeling. It derives from a French word cru, meaning unprocessed, and it is a traditional color name. Here, it represents a classy plain color.
natural

Tinged with a hint of yellow, this color is both bright and warm. It is reminiscent of the sunlight of glorious spring and the off white seen in natural, unbleached materials. It's a refreshingly bright color that is both natural and refined.
hazel

The hazelnut, the fruit of the hazel tree, is a pale brown tinged with yellow. English speakers often use hazel to describe eye-color. The color is a basic brown giving an unassertive natural impression.
blue cloud

This greyish color tinged with light blue is reminiscent of rays of light breaking through a cloudy sky after rain stops. The mild sense of color saturation produces a natural but smart look.
lemon

This is the color of the lemon, a citrus fruit known for its sour taste. Its bright yellow color is stimulating in a delightful, refreshing way. The wonderfully fragrant lemon is also widely used for its scent and flavor.
willow green

This light yellowish green is called moegiiro in Japanese. It is a traditional Japanese color conveying youthfulness that represents life, and expresses the budding of fresh verdure gleaming in the fields and trees in spring.
grass

When the world of cold, white snow thaws, fresh verdure announces the arrival of warm spring. Newly sprouted fresh, yellow-green vegetation stretches upwards towards the sunlight.
melon

This is the pale green seen in the rind and flesh of a melon. Melons with refined fragrance and mellow flavor are seen as a luxury item in Japan. This limpid color with a hint of blue conveys a sense of calm, relaxation, safety, and cleanness.
cactus

Cactus is a color named after the cactus plants that are strong and robust enough to withstand scorching heat and dry conditions. The bright, deep color imparts the ecological green of the natural world along with a tough image and a modern style.
dark safari

A safari is a tour into the wilds of Africa to observe wild animals. Traditionally it was a hunting tour. Dark safari is a subdued green, a dark color that calls to mind the tough environment in the vast expanses. It gives an impression of being organic, conveying strength and the harshness of nature.
grege

The name of this color is said to be derived from greggia, an Italian word for a group of sheep or goats. It suggests the color of an unbleached and untreated natural fiber, with a strong hint of gray. The impression it gives of a rustic or homespun texture is complemented by a chic classical air.
caffe latte

A sophisticated brown beige like the color of a caffe latte made by pouring plenty of milk into a strong espresso. Like caffe latte's mellowness with a hint of bitterness, this color is a harmonious mix of relaxation and simple elegance.
cordoba brown

This is a brown tinged with black, like the bark of a hinoki (Japanese cypress) tree. Hinoki wood is dense and strong, and has a very distinctive fragrance. It has played an important role in Japanese religious architecture since the sixth century. Roofs thatched with tree bark, called hiwadabuki (cypress bark) can be seen on many cultural properties.
chocolat

In ancient Mexico, a beverage made from cocoa beans was considered the drink of the gods. Called xocolatl at the time, the drink later spread throughout Europe via Spain, eventually becoming present-day chocolate. The dark reddish brown color is suggestive of rich aroma and flavor.
coffee beans

Coffee is said to have emerged in Ethiopia, and is now a popular drink with natural origins that people take seriously. The brown color of the beans develops as they are roasted, producing deeper browns when roasted for longer. This brown color seems to embody the powerfully fragrant aroma of coffee beans.
mist gray

When a mist with fine droplets hangs in the air, a grayish color tinged with a hint of blue expands as far as the eye can see. The world of mist gray veiled in cold particles conveys a feeling of floating and a sense of elegance and refinement.
snow blue

This is a soft, translucent blue, like clear water. Originally describing a blue like cobalt glass powder, today this term incorporating the word powder also refers to this pale, subtle color.
regency blue

Clear water that is colorless and transparent presents as light blue with a touch of green as it reflects the sky, tuning the light. Water is indispensable, giving birth to life and providing abundant moisture. It has a color that feels pure and refreshing.
mint green

Mint is a color that derives its name from the herb and liqueur. With its greenish tones, this refreshing light blue-green color conveys a sense of being cool and invigorating.
ice

This clear, pale blue feels sharp and cold, like ice. This clear, highly saturated color conveys a sense of coolness as well as high quality and splendor.
shizuku

This is a simple and unadulterated blue, like a drop of water that twinkles as it reflects light. Think of raindrops falling from the sky, spray from waves at the seashore, or a mermaid's tears. This is an innocent, unrestrained color like the colors of crayons that children choose when drawing scenes and illustrating stories.
marine blue

Lapis lazuli, an azure mineral found in and around central Asia is called ruri in Japan. In the West, it was called ultramarine because it was brought by ship from far away. This bright blue is uplifting, like the sparkling of sunlight on wavetops, and it conveys a refreshing, aspirational impression.
light blue

The blue of the sky is constantly changing to a wide variety of colors depending on the weather and the season. The sky color of MERMAID is the kind of soft color that envelops our mild, tranquil everyday lives.
sea

The blue of the sea is associated with the sea's role as the source of life, with both serenity and rough waves, and with many stories and narratives. This blue is vivid but unperturbed, conveying a sense of familiarity and sincerity.
indigo

Indigo is a plant that has been cultivated around the world for more than 2,000 years as a dyeing material for traditional clothing and similar purposes. The image of simply woven natural fiber fabric dyed by hand with indigo gives this dark blue color a simple but earnest air.
navy

Dyers of Edo period Japan produced a deep blue color tinged with a hint of red by dyeing over and over with indigo. In the west, naval uniforms were dyed with indigo to produce a dark blue that came to be called navy blue. This color has a natural dignity.
deep sea

A color that brings to mind the quiet zone deep in the ocean where light does not penetrate. It is a dark color tinged with a hint of red, conveying formal elegance within profound silence. This is a blue with a feel of high quality.
vermilion

Vermilion is the bright yellowish red of mercury sulfide. In Japan, vermilion is used as the color of official seals and Shinto shrine gates. This vivid color that has a stately air to it has added dignified color to traditional architecture and craftwork.
bitter orange

The Japanese word for orange, daidaiiro, derives from the Japanese bitter orange, which is an evergreen of the Rutaceae family. It is seen as an auspicious fruit that brings prosperity for generations to come due to the fact that it doesn't fall off the tree. This deep, vivid, yellowish red color conveys a sense of energy and liveliness.
yellow

Reminiscent of things like warm sunlight, dandelions blooming in meadows, and sweet corn, this slightly reddish yellow is warm and appealing. It creates an atmosphere that is bright, cheerful, and casual.
lido yellow

This is the color of sunflowers, which bloom colorfully and vividly, turning to face the sun. Symbolizing shining light, this bright, clear yellow is said to encourage happiness, hope, and inspiration.
spring green

Fresh foliage is a light yellowish green, like the young leaves of a pine tree. In Japanese, this is called wakamidori (young green), and the waka is a modifier conveying a sense of being bright and vivid. Pines sprouting shoots that stretch straight out from the tip of branches often appear in Japanese poetry about the spring, described as “green standing up” (midori tatsu).
lime

The Japanese word for green, midori, is said to derive from the freshness of newly budding plants. This color, which brings to mind trees and forests in nature, conveys the impression of healing, health, security, and safety. A green four-leafed clover is a sign of good luck.

JAPANESQUE

cherry

This is the yellowish pink of cherry blossoms bursting into full bloom enveloped in bright sunshine. It also conveys a sense of something neat and cute, like the light pink color of slightly flushed cheeks.
cream

In Japanese, while torinokoiro (“chick color”) refers to light yellow, the color of egg yolk is referred to as tamagoiro (“egg color”). MERMAID’s tamagoiro is a pale yellow with a bright, spring-like feel to it.
melon

This is the pale green seen in the rind and flesh of a melon. Melons with refined fragrance and mellow flavor are seen as a luxury item in Japan. This limpid color with a hint of blue conveys a sense of calm, relaxation, safety, and cleanness.
regency blue

Clear water that is colorless and transparent presents as light blue with a touch of green as it reflects the sky, tuning the light. Water is indispensable, giving birth to life and providing abundant moisture. It has a color that feels pure and refreshing.
ice

This clear, pale blue feels sharp and cold, like ice. This clear, highly saturated color conveys a sense of coolness as well as high quality and splendor.
violet

This beautiful light purple is the color of violets blooming in meadows. The pansy, a member of the Violet family, is said to have derived its name from the French word penser, meaning to think deeply or ponder, because of the way it resembles a head tilted slightly, immersed in thought. This is a color that is modest, refined, and elegant.
rose

This is the color of a pink rose. Rose can indicate different shades of red tinged with purple, such as rose red that is vivid red and rose pink that is light pink. Rose is thought to be the oldest color derived from the color of a flower, and is celebrated in the poems of Homer and Sappho.
coral

Coral, which adds color to the oceans, has been widely used in jewelry and traditional craftwork since ancient times. It comes in a wide variety of hues ranging from red to orange, and brightness ranging from vivid to pale. Soft, bright coral colors are also often found in cosmetics used on the lips and cheeks.
willow green

This light yellowish green is called moegiiro in Japanese. It is a traditional Japanese color conveying youthfulness that represents life, and expresses the budding of fresh verdure gleaming in the fields and trees in spring.
mint green

Mint is a color that derives its name from the herb and liqueur. With its greenish tones, this refreshing light blue-green color conveys a sense of being cool and invigorating.
lilac

The name of this color, which derives from the lilac flower that originated in Afghanistan and made its way to Europe, covers the whole range of light purple colors. It is known as lilas in France, where it became a fashionable color. This very fragrant flower is used as an ingredient of perfumes. The color feels soft and elegant.
silk

This soft white is like the color of a cocoon woven by a silkworm. Combined with MERMAID's texture of natural fiber, it creates a pleasant feel of pureness.
white

MERMAID white is the natural color of milk, which is tinged with a hint of yellow, and is not artificial. It is a gentle color that has a soft feel to it.
snow white

The term snow white has been used since long ago to describe a pure white color like snow. White objects reflect all color, and this spotless, righteous white is seen as a symbol of a pure, noble heart and peace.
frosty white

This is cool, translucent white brings to mind a frozen world blanketed in white on a morning when frost covers the ground. Of all of the white MERMAID colors, this one, which is tinged with a hint of blue, feels the hardest, and possesses a dignified strength. It also conveys a sense of minimalism, and feels very clean.
middle gray

Gray without any hint of color, such as with light India ink or ash, is considered the color of mourning, but also the color of metals like iron, aluminum, and silver. Its inorganic feel gives it the impression of being hard, modern, cool, and chic and stylish.
black

Utter, pitch-black darkness, devoid of all color, conveys a strong feel of depth and gravity. By itself, black communicates formality and high quality. Combined with other colors, it makes the other colors stand out in a more dramatic way.
red

Red symbolizes a passion that burns intensely or vitality. The Japanese word for red, aka, is thought to derive from akashi, meaning bright. Red is a color that is positive and sacred, symbolizing beginnings, such as the red-tinged sky of dawn or fire, which played a key role in the development of civilization.
saffron

Saffron is the name of a dye produced from dried saffron flowers. In cooking, it is used as a yellow food dye, and also provides aroma. This calm but strong color conveys a classical air and a rich impression, like that of gold.
cactus

Cactus is a color named after the cactus plants that are strong and robust enough to withstand scorching heat and dry conditions. The bright, deep color imparts the ecological green of the natural world along with a tough image and a modern style.
indigo

Indigo is a plant that has been cultivated around the world for more than 2,000 years as a dyeing material for traditional clothing and similar purposes. The image of simply woven natural fiber fabric dyed by hand with indigo gives this dark blue color a simple but earnest air.
chocolat

In ancient Mexico, a beverage made from cocoa beans was considered the drink of the gods. Called xocolatl at the time, the drink later spread throughout Europe via Spain, eventually becoming present-day chocolate. The dark reddish brown color is suggestive of rich aroma and flavor.
charcoal gray

Charcoal, the traditional fuel, was created by charring wood, such as oak, beech, and Japanese oak. This dark gray has a very faint hint of color. It has an air of poised maturity, and a measured, classical feel to it.
coffee beans

Coffee is said to have emerged in Ethiopia, and is now a popular drink with natural origins that people take seriously. The brown color of the beans develops as they are roasted, producing deeper browns when roasted for longer. This brown color seems to embody the powerfully fragrant aroma of coffee beans.
dark safari

A safari is a tour into the wilds of Africa to observe wild animals. Traditionally it was a hunting tour. Dark safari is a subdued green, a dark color that calls to mind the tough environment in the vast expanses. It gives an impression of being organic, conveying strength and the harshness of nature.
iwai-beni

A deep red tinged with purple, like the crimson of the Japanese flag. This red has a strong nuance of Japan, and is a celebratory color for happy occasions.
deep sea

A color that brings to mind the quiet zone deep in the ocean where light does not penetrate. It is a dark color tinged with a hint of red, conveying formal elegance within profound silence. This is a blue with a feel of high quality.
royal violet

Long ago, with deep, dark colors seen as signifying items of high quality, dark purple was used in the garments of the emperor of the ancient Roman Empire to symbolize the imperial throne. In the Twelve Level Cap and Rank System of ancient Japan, as well, purple indicated the highest rank, representing nobility.

POP

rose

This is the color of a pink rose. Rose can indicate different shades of red tinged with purple, such as rose red that is vivid red and rose pink that is light pink. Rose is thought to be the oldest color derived from the color of a flower, and is celebrated in the poems of Homer and Sappho.
coral

Coral, which adds color to the oceans, has been widely used in jewelry and traditional craftwork since ancient times. It comes in a wide variety of hues ranging from red to orange, and brightness ranging from vivid to pale. Soft, bright coral colors are also often found in cosmetics used on the lips and cheeks.
lemon

This is the color of the lemon, a citrus fruit known for its sour taste. Its bright yellow color is stimulating in a delightful, refreshing way. The wonderfully fragrant lemon is also widely used for its scent and flavor.
willow green

This light yellowish green is called moegiiro in Japanese. It is a traditional Japanese color conveying youthfulness that represents life, and expresses the budding of fresh verdure gleaming in the fields and trees in spring.
mint green

Mint is a color that derives its name from the herb and liqueur. With its greenish tones, this refreshing light blue-green color conveys a sense of being cool and invigorating.
light blue

The blue of the sky is constantly changing to a wide variety of colors depending on the weather and the season. The sky color of MERMAID is the kind of soft color that envelops our mild, tranquil everyday lives.
lilac

The name of this color, which derives from the lilac flower that originated in Afghanistan and made its way to Europe, covers the whole range of light purple colors. It is known as lilas in France, where it became a fashionable color. This very fragrant flower is used as an ingredient of perfumes. The color feels soft and elegant.
white

MERMAID white is the natural color of milk, which is tinged with a hint of yellow, and is not artificial. It is a gentle color that has a soft feel to it.
NEO citron

Neocitron is a dazzling fluorescent color. Citron is the French word for lemon. This yellow tinged with a hint of green is an acid color very reminiscent of acidity. Its sharpness and dynamic energy makes it a stimulating color.
NEO flamingo

A lively fluorescent color. The bright pink-orange colors of flamingo wings are partly derived from the colored food in the bird's diet. Flamingos have long necks and legs, and adopt characteristic poses that give them a cute and cheerful appearance, making them a frequent subject for graphic art.
marine blue

Lapis lazuli, an azure mineral found in and around central Asia is called ruri in Japan. In the West, it was called ultramarine because it was brought by ship from far away. This bright blue is uplifting, like the sparkling of sunlight on wavetops, and it conveys a refreshing, aspirational impression.
shizuku

This is a simple and unadulterated blue, like a drop of water that twinkles as it reflects light. Think of raindrops falling from the sky, spray from waves at the seashore, or a mermaid's tears. This is an innocent, unrestrained color like the colors of crayons that children choose when drawing scenes and illustrating stories.
lime

The Japanese word for green, midori, is said to derive from the freshness of newly budding plants. This color, which brings to mind trees and forests in nature, conveys the impression of healing, health, security, and safety. A green four-leafed clover is a sign of good luck.
spring green

Fresh foliage is a light yellowish green, like the young leaves of a pine tree. In Japanese, this is called wakamidori (young green), and the waka is a modifier conveying a sense of being bright and vivid. Pines sprouting shoots that stretch straight out from the tip of branches often appear in Japanese poetry about the spring, described as “green standing up” (midori tatsu).
yellow

Reminiscent of things like warm sunlight, dandelions blooming in meadows, and sweet corn, this slightly reddish yellow is warm and appealing. It creates an atmosphere that is bright, cheerful, and casual.
bitter orange

The Japanese word for orange, daidaiiro, derives from the Japanese bitter orange, which is an evergreen of the Rutaceae family. It is seen as an auspicious fruit that brings prosperity for generations to come due to the fact that it doesn't fall off the tree. This deep, vivid, yellowish red color conveys a sense of energy and liveliness.
vermilion

Vermilion is the bright yellowish red of mercury sulfide. In Japan, vermilion is used as the color of official seals and Shinto shrine gates. This vivid color that has a stately air to it has added dignified color to traditional architecture and craftwork.
cosmos

This is the color of cosmos flowers, which sway in the wind from summer until autumn. In Japan, the flower is as known as Sakura in autumn. In the language of flowers, the cosmos signifies affection and purity. Bright pink with a hint of blue, this color possesses elegance, strength, and festivity.
red

Red symbolizes a passion that burns intensely or vitality. The Japanese word for red, aka, is thought to derive from akashi, meaning bright. Red is a color that is positive and sacred, symbolizing beginnings, such as the red-tinged sky of dawn or fire, which played a key role in the development of civilization.
lido yellow

This is the color of sunflowers, which bloom colorfully and vividly, turning to face the sun. Symbolizing shining light, this bright, clear yellow is said to encourage happiness, hope, and inspiration.
turquoise

Turquoise is the color of a blue-green mineral that is a product of Iran. Ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and the Aztecs used it as an ornament for clothing. Today it is seen as a precious stone that conveys an oriental or sacred impression. This vivid blue-green color glistens like some artificial colors, hinting at the sea or rivers.
sea

The blue of the sea is associated with the sea's role as the source of life, with both serenity and rough waves, and with many stories and narratives. This blue is vivid but unperturbed, conveying a sense of familiarity and sincerity.
navy

Dyers of Edo period Japan produced a deep blue color tinged with a hint of red by dyeing over and over with indigo. In the west, naval uniforms were dyed with indigo to produce a dark blue that came to be called navy blue. This color has a natural dignity.
NEO pink

A bright and translucent fluorescent color. The slightly bluish cool pink is cheerful and positive, raising your spirits. It has a youthful, active, and sporty feel to it.
mist gray

When a mist with fine droplets hangs in the air, a grayish color tinged with a hint of blue expands as far as the eye can see. The world of mist gray veiled in cold particles conveys a feeling of floating and a sense of elegance and refinement.

FORMAL

charcoal gray

Charcoal, the traditional fuel, was created by charring wood, such as oak, beech, and Japanese oak. This dark gray has a very faint hint of color. It has an air of poised maturity, and a measured, classical feel to it.
black

Utter, pitch-black darkness, devoid of all color, conveys a strong feel of depth and gravity. By itself, black communicates formality and high quality. Combined with other colors, it makes the other colors stand out in a more dramatic way.
iwai-beni

A deep red tinged with purple, like the crimson of the Japanese flag. This red has a strong nuance of Japan, and is a celebratory color for happy occasions.
deep sea

A color that brings to mind the quiet zone deep in the ocean where light does not penetrate. It is a dark color tinged with a hint of red, conveying formal elegance within profound silence. This is a blue with a feel of high quality.
royal violet

Long ago, with deep, dark colors seen as signifying items of high quality, dark purple was used in the garments of the emperor of the ancient Roman Empire to symbolize the imperial throne. In the Twelve Level Cap and Rank System of ancient Japan, as well, purple indicated the highest rank, representing nobility.
coffee beans

Coffee is said to have emerged in Ethiopia, and is now a popular drink with natural origins that people take seriously. The brown color of the beans develops as they are roasted, producing deeper browns when roasted for longer. This brown color seems to embody the powerfully fragrant aroma of coffee beans.
petal pink

This is a cute, subtle pink, like the evanescent petals of a flower beginning to bloom. This cool pink combined with soft texture feels both adorable and mature.
natural

Tinged with a hint of yellow, this color is both bright and warm. It is reminiscent of the sunlight of glorious spring and the off white seen in natural, unbleached materials. It's a refreshingly bright color that is both natural and refined.
snow blue

This is a soft, translucent blue, like clear water. Originally describing a blue like cobalt glass powder, today this term incorporating the word powder also refers to this pale, subtle color.
fernleaf lavender

This very pale bluish violet evocative of a subtle fragrance arouses subtle feelings. The name derives from French Lace Lavender (Lavandula multifida), a plant with flowers in a wide variety of colors ranging from white to bluish violet.
frosty white

This is cool, translucent white brings to mind a frozen world blanketed in white on a morning when frost covers the ground. Of all of the white MERMAID colors, this one, which is tinged with a hint of blue, feels the hardest, and possesses a dignified strength. It also conveys a sense of minimalism, and feels very clean.
cherry

This is the yellowish pink of cherry blossoms bursting into full bloom enveloped in bright sunshine. It also conveys a sense of something neat and cute, like the light pink color of slightly flushed cheeks.
melon

This is the pale green seen in the rind and flesh of a melon. Melons with refined fragrance and mellow flavor are seen as a luxury item in Japan. This limpid color with a hint of blue conveys a sense of calm, relaxation, safety, and cleanness.
regency blue

Clear water that is colorless and transparent presents as light blue with a touch of green as it reflects the sky, tuning the light. Water is indispensable, giving birth to life and providing abundant moisture. It has a color that feels pure and refreshing.
violet

This beautiful light purple is the color of violets blooming in meadows. The pansy, a member of the Violet family, is said to have derived its name from the French word penser, meaning to think deeply or ponder, because of the way it resembles a head tilted slightly, immersed in thought. This is a color that is modest, refined, and elegant.
ecru

Ecru is the color of unbleached raw silk, cotton, or linen fibers and fabric made from them. The name is used to convey a natural feeling. It derives from a French word cru, meaning unprocessed, and it is a traditional color name. Here, it represents a classy plain color.
snow white

The term snow white has been used since long ago to describe a pure white color like snow. White objects reflect all color, and this spotless, righteous white is seen as a symbol of a pure, noble heart and peace.
silk

This soft white is like the color of a cocoon woven by a silkworm. Combined with MERMAID's texture of natural fiber, it creates a pleasant feel of pureness.
white

MERMAID white is the natural color of milk, which is tinged with a hint of yellow, and is not artificial. It is a gentle color that has a soft feel to it.
mist gray

When a mist with fine droplets hangs in the air, a grayish color tinged with a hint of blue expands as far as the eye can see. The world of mist gray veiled in cold particles conveys a feeling of floating and a sense of elegance and refinement.
bright gray

One theory for the origin of the word gray is a word meaning the faint, growing light of dawn. Neutral light gray is reminiscent of the quiet, tranquil time before dawn, and conveys the impression of simplicity and stylishness.
middle gray

Gray without any hint of color, such as with light India ink or ash, is considered the color of mourning, but also the color of metals like iron, aluminum, and silver. Its inorganic feel gives it the impression of being hard, modern, cool, and chic and stylish.
blue cloud

This greyish color tinged with light blue is reminiscent of rays of light breaking through a cloudy sky after rain stops. The mild sense of color saturation produces a natural but smart look.
grege

The name of this color is said to be derived from greggia, an Italian word for a group of sheep or goats. It suggests the color of an unbleached and untreated natural fiber, with a strong hint of gray. The impression it gives of a rustic or homespun texture is complemented by a chic classical air.
caffe latte

A sophisticated brown beige like the color of a caffe latte made by pouring plenty of milk into a strong espresso. Like caffe latte's mellowness with a hint of bitterness, this color is a harmonious mix of relaxation and simple elegance.
dark safari

A safari is a tour into the wilds of Africa to observe wild animals. Traditionally it was a hunting tour. Dark safari is a subdued green, a dark color that calls to mind the tough environment in the vast expanses. It gives an impression of being organic, conveying strength and the harshness of nature.

CLASSIC

white

MERMAID white is the natural color of milk, which is tinged with a hint of yellow, and is not artificial. It is a gentle color that has a soft feel to it.
bright gray

One theory for the origin of the word gray is a word meaning the faint, growing light of dawn. Neutral light gray is reminiscent of the quiet, tranquil time before dawn, and conveys the impression of simplicity and stylishness.
mist gray

When a mist with fine droplets hangs in the air, a grayish color tinged with a hint of blue expands as far as the eye can see. The world of mist gray veiled in cold particles conveys a feeling of floating and a sense of elegance and refinement.
grege

The name of this color is said to be derived from greggia, an Italian word for a group of sheep or goats. It suggests the color of an unbleached and untreated natural fiber, with a strong hint of gray. The impression it gives of a rustic or homespun texture is complemented by a chic classical air.
blue cloud

This greyish color tinged with light blue is reminiscent of rays of light breaking through a cloudy sky after rain stops. The mild sense of color saturation produces a natural but smart look.
caffe latte

A sophisticated brown beige like the color of a caffe latte made by pouring plenty of milk into a strong espresso. Like caffe latte's mellowness with a hint of bitterness, this color is a harmonious mix of relaxation and simple elegance.
charcoal gray

Charcoal, the traditional fuel, was created by charring wood, such as oak, beech, and Japanese oak. This dark gray has a very faint hint of color. It has an air of poised maturity, and a measured, classical feel to it.
chocolat

In ancient Mexico, a beverage made from cocoa beans was considered the drink of the gods. Called xocolatl at the time, the drink later spread throughout Europe via Spain, eventually becoming present-day chocolate. The dark reddish brown color is suggestive of rich aroma and flavor.
ecru

Ecru is the color of unbleached raw silk, cotton, or linen fibers and fabric made from them. The name is used to convey a natural feeling. It derives from a French word cru, meaning unprocessed, and it is a traditional color name. Here, it represents a classy plain color.
hazel

The hazelnut, the fruit of the hazel tree, is a pale brown tinged with yellow. English speakers often use hazel to describe eye-color. The color is a basic brown giving an unassertive natural impression.
cordoba brown

This is a brown tinged with black, like the bark of a hinoki (Japanese cypress) tree. Hinoki wood is dense and strong, and has a very distinctive fragrance. It has played an important role in Japanese religious architecture since the sixth century. Roofs thatched with tree bark, called hiwadabuki (cypress bark) can be seen on many cultural properties.
coffee beans

Coffee is said to have emerged in Ethiopia, and is now a popular drink with natural origins that people take seriously. The brown color of the beans develops as they are roasted, producing deeper browns when roasted for longer. This brown color seems to embody the powerfully fragrant aroma of coffee beans.
dark safari

A safari is a tour into the wilds of Africa to observe wild animals. Traditionally it was a hunting tour. Dark safari is a subdued green, a dark color that calls to mind the tough environment in the vast expanses. It gives an impression of being organic, conveying strength and the harshness of nature.
cosmos

This is the color of cosmos flowers, which sway in the wind from summer until autumn. In Japan, the flower is as known as Sakura in autumn. In the language of flowers, the cosmos signifies affection and purity. Bright pink with a hint of blue, this color possesses elegance, strength, and festivity.
saffron

Saffron is the name of a dye produced from dried saffron flowers. In cooking, it is used as a yellow food dye, and also provides aroma. This calm but strong color conveys a classical air and a rich impression, like that of gold.
cactus

Cactus is a color named after the cactus plants that are strong and robust enough to withstand scorching heat and dry conditions. The bright, deep color imparts the ecological green of the natural world along with a tough image and a modern style.
sea

The blue of the sea is associated with the sea's role as the source of life, with both serenity and rough waves, and with many stories and narratives. This blue is vivid but unperturbed, conveying a sense of familiarity and sincerity.

References:
DIC COLOR GUIDE Traditional Colours of Nippon Ver. 9, Traditional Colours of France Ver. 6,
and Traditional Colours of China Ver. 3, DIC Graphics.
A. Maerz and M. Rea Paul, A Dictionary of Color, McGraw-Hill Book, 1930.
Wada Sanzo, Shikimei Sokan, Shunjusha, 1931.
Shogakukan dictionary editorial department (Ed.), Color Guide International, Shogakukan, 1988.
Japan Color Research Institute (Ed.), Shinshikimei Jiten, fifth edition, Japan Color Enterprise, 2002.
Fukuda Kunio, Color Names507 (Definitive edition), Shufunotomo Co., Ltd., 2006.
Nagasaki Seiki, Traditional colors of Japan: their names and tones, third edition, Seigensha, 2007.
Seino Kosuke and Shimamori Isao, Color Name Encyclopedia, Shinkigensha, 2005.
Hayasaka Yuko, Wa no Shoku no Monogatari, Shikaku Design Kenkyujo, 2014.

1.Items handed out at Mermaid Wave exhibition, 2020
2.Book Jacket: Senses Vol. 51 “UMI” (Ocean), 2019
3.PAPER Characters 009 MERMAID, 2020

Paper: MERMAID frosty white, vermilion, lido yellow, turquoise, coffee beans, lilac, light blue, mint green, NEO flamingo, NEO pink
1091 x 788 mm S/G 128gsm (note cards), 279gsm (folding cartons)
MERMAID frosty white 1091 x 788 mm S/G 178gsm (tote bags)

Process: Die-cutting (note cards/folding cartons)
Offset 1c + die-cutting (tote bags)

Art direction & Design: Sekimoto Akiko

1.Items handed out at Mermaid Wave exhibition, 2020
2.Book Jacket: Senses Vol. 51 “UMI” (Ocean), 2019
3.PAPER Characters 009 MERMAID, 2020

Paper: MERMAID NEO pink, snow blue, petal pink, fernleaf lavender 1091 x 788 mm S/G 128gsm

Process: UV offset 2c + foil stamping (gold, pearl)

Design: Ayaka Shimizu

1.Items handed out at Mermaid Wave exhibition, 2020
2.Book Jacket: Senses Vol. 51 “UMI” (Ocean), 2019
3.PAPER Characters 009 MERMAID, 2020

Paper: MERMAID All colors 1091 x 788 mm S/G 128gsm, 178gsm, 279gsm

Process: Foil stamping (silver, gold, red), HP Indigo digital printing 4c + embossing, etc.

Art direction & Design: Hara Design Institute, Nippon Design Center

size(mm)	grain	weight(gsm)									color
		81	105	128	157	178	204	244	279	407
1091x788 (whites)	S/G	●	●		●		●	●			5
1091x788 (whites/colors)	S/G			●		●			● *		60
1091x788 (whites/black)	S/G									●	6
939x636(colors)	S/G			●	●	●		●			5