Because the crane’s feathers are white, it is a bird of auspiciousness favoured as a sacred bird that represents immortality, in conjunction with the human long-lived person.
The pine tree has also been an auspicious tree in Japan since ancient times and has been used as a symbol of ‘longevity’ because of its green leaves that grow even in winter.
The cherry blossom is considered an auspicious motif for the beginning of things, as many flowers bud in spring. It is also said to represent a good harvest and symbolise ‘abundance’ and ‘prosperity’.