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| HISTORY – LOGO LORE | ||||||||
We are often asked about the significance and origins of our two most widely known trademarks, Kokuho Rose™ and Sho-Chiku-Bai®.
Legend of the Three Sacred Treasures The Three Sacred Treasures have ancient significance based in Japanese mythology. The eight-sided mirror symbolizes self-reflection by showing the true nature of the soul. The heavenly sword stood for strength and sharpness in knowledge and decision. The comma shaped jewels have dual meanings of gentleness and amiability on the spiritual level and prosperity on the secular level. Based on the “Three Sacred Treasures” legend, Keisaburo Koda designed the Kokuho Rose logo in honor of his family’s heritage utilizing cultural iconography that Japanese Americans could readily identify. In the center of the “mirror,” Keisaburo superimposed the Japanese Kanji characters of Kokuho, or “Treasure of the Country.” In continuous use since 1962, Kokuho Rose is the trademark and property of the Koda family business, which alone produces the pure strain of this specific variety. Historically, this rice was grown in very limited quantities. Hence, permission was granted to Nomura and Co., Inc. to utilize this trademark on Nomura’s own variety of rice.
The “Three Friends of Winter” The association of pine, bamboo, and Chinese plum, is a recurring motif in Asian cultures. Because of their ability to survive the harsh winter months, they symbolize strength in the face of adversity. In Chinese and Japanese art and literature, the trio is collectively known as the “Three Friends of Winter.” Introduced in 1948, the Sho-Chiku-Bai logo was also developed under the guidance of Keisaburo Koda. The plum’s five-petal flower makes up the main body of the logo on which the green bamboo and pine are overlaid. In the center of the stylized flower, slightly overlapped by the bamboo and pine is the white Kagami-Mochi. The Kagami-Mochi is a traditional New Year’s decoration composed of two sweet rice “cakes,” differing in size, stacked one on top of the other. |
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Koda Farms, Inc. P.O. Box 10, 22540 Russell Avenue, South Dos Palos California 93665 info@kodafarms.com © 2008 Koda Farms, Inc. All rights reserved. Kokuho, Kokuho Rose, the Kokuho Rose Design, Kokuho Blue, the Kokuho Blue Design, Koda Farms and Flower Design, True Koda Varietal, Kokuho Rose True Koda Varietal, Originators of Kokuho Rose Rice Varietal, Sho-Chiku-Bai, the Sweet Rice Design, Mochiko Blue Star, Star Design, and the Diamond K Design are trademarks of the Koda family and their businesses. All other logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. |