Japanese Symbol for

平和

heiwa

peace · harmony · tranquility

Readings

  • 平 ONヘイ・ビョウhei / byō
  • 平 KUNたい(ら)・ひらtaira / hira
  • 和 ONワwa
  • 和 KUNやわ(らぐ)yawaragu

Meaning

Peace, harmony, tranquility. 平和 is Japan's most aspirational word — it appears on memorials, in the constitution, and throughout everyday speech. 平 means flat/level/calm; 和 means harmony.

Example words

平安

heian

peace, tranquility; Heian era

和

wa

harmony, peace, Japanese-style

安らぎ

yasuragi

peace, tranquility, comfort

平和主義

heiwa-shugi

pacifism

無事

buji

safety, peace, all is well

和睦

waboku

reconciliation, peace

平和 is enshrined in Article 9 of Japan's post-war constitution, which renounces war. Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園, Heiwa Kinen Kōen) draws millions of visitors annually. The concept of 和 (wa) — harmony — is considered one of Japan's core national values.

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