What the Ginkgo Tree Taught Me in Japan

When I first walked through the streets of Japan, it wasn’t only the calm, the rituals, or the craftsmanship that touched me. It was autumn, and suddenly I found myself surrounded by a sea of warm yellow. Everywhere I looked stood the same tree: strong, elegant, and almost glowing. The Ginkgo, or as it is often called in Japan, the ichō tree.

What struck me immediately was its colour. Not just any yellow, but a deep, soft golden shade that seems to hold the light. And then the leaf: fan-shaped, graphic, and at the same time completely organic. Simple yet refined. I remember picking one up and thinking, this leaf is design. Timeless, perfect in its simplicity.

Later, I learned that the Ginkgo is one of the oldest tree species in the world. It has existed for over 270 million years and is often referred to as a “living fossil.” What I find especially moving is that this tree survived ice ages, dramatic climate changes, and even the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Several Ginkgo trees near the blast site unexpectedly sprouted again. To me, that makes the Ginkgo a powerful symbol of resilience, hope, and continuity.

In Japan, the Ginkgo is deeply woven into cultural life. You often see it near temples, shrines, and universities—not only for its beauty, but also because it represents protection and life energy. The tree is associated with balance, longevity, and inner strength. These are values I feel deeply connected to, both personally and creatively.

Another thing I love is how the Ginkgo adapts so effortlessly to its surroundings. It tolerates pollution well and continues to grow calmly, without hurry. It feels like a gentle reminder: you don’t always have to rush. You’re allowed to stay grounded and follow your own rhythm.

Whenever I see a Ginkgo leaf now—whether in Japan, in a park closer to home, or reflected in a design—it brings me back to that moment of quiet wonder. To the feeling that beauty often appears when you least expect it, and all you have to do is notice.

Perhaps that is the true strength of the Ginkgo: its invitation to slow down, observe, and trust in time.