Sweet Pea Day (Sweet Pea no Hi)

What is "Sweet Pea Day"?

January 21 is "Sweet Pea Day." It was established by national commerce associations and growers' groups because this period marks the peak shipping season for sweet peas, and because the structure of the sweet pea flower — one standard petal, two wing petals, and one keel petal — visually reflects a "1-2-1" pattern, which lines up neatly with the date "1/21."

The origin and history of sweet peas

Sweet peas are a legume believed to originate from Sicily in the Mediterranean. They were discovered by the monk Francis Cupani in the late 17th century, and were later extensively bred and improved in England. During the Edwardian era, their elegant form and fragrance made them a favorite even among royalty, establishing their status as an ornamental flower.

The origin of the name

As the name suggests, "sweet pea" means "a sweet-smelling pea." In Japanese, they are also called "kaori endō" (fragrant pea) or "chōkeika" (butterfly-shaped flower), and their sweet, refreshing scent has even been used as a fragrance ingredient.

Sweet peas in Japan

Sweet peas are thought to have arrived in Japan during the late Edo to Meiji period. Serious cultivation began from the Taisho era through Showa, and today Miyazaki, Aichi, and Okayama prefectures are well-known production areas. They're a beloved staple of cut flowers from winter through spring.

The boom of red sweet peas

In 1982, the release of singer Seiko Matsuda's hit song "Akai Sweet Pea" ("Red Sweet Pea") made the flower famous across Japan. At the time, red sweet peas were rare on the market, but the song's popularity spurred breeders to develop true red varieties, which are now widely available.

Characteristics of sweet peas

• Delicate, butterfly-like flower shapes with spread "wings"
• A sweet, fruity fragrance that brightens any room
• A wide range of colors, mainly pastels — white, pink, purple, and blue
• Climbing tendrils that wind around their surroundings as they grow
• Long-lasting as cut flowers, making them popular winter flower gifts

Flower meanings and gift-giving

Because their shape resembles a butterfly about to take flight, sweet peas carry meanings such as "departure," "farewell," and "a fond memory" in flower language. These aren't sad farewells — they carry a forward-looking sense of hope for a new beginning.

A flower for new beginnings

Available from January through March, sweet peas are an ideal flower for life milestones such as graduation, school entrance, or starting a new job — often given as a gesture of encouragement for a fresh start.

Tips for enjoying sweet peas

• When arranging in a vase, remove any leaves or flowers below the water line
• Keep the water level shallow and change it frequently to extend their lifespan
• Remove wilted blooms promptly so other buds can open more easily
• Place away from direct sunlight and air conditioning drafts

A fragrance announcing the arrival of spring

Sweet Pea Day is a day that lets us feel a hint of early spring even amid lingering cold. Their elegant shape and rich fragrance soothe the heart and build anticipation for the new season. On January 21, why not display a bunch of sweet peas — for someone special, or just for yourself?