In an effort to express Japan's heartfelt appreciation for the help and kindness received from people around the world in the aftermath of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami, The Design Association NPA invited designers from around to world to submit projects under the theme "love". The works were displayed at Tokyo Designers Week 2011 and compiled into the book 'Arigato: Tokyo Designers Week.' 

 

Kiku choku is inspired in the Chrysanthemum flowe or "kiku" which is the imperial flower of Japan. It Represents the unity,prosperity,harmony , strenght and is the symbol of the sun.

It is said, that in winter and fall is the only flower that does not wither and their petals fall one by one. 

 

It is a very meaningfull flower for the Japanese. There is a tradition,moreless than a myth, that the Japanese place a kiku petal by the side of a "choko" (teacup ) meaning health & prospherity (at the bottom).

 

Kiku  choko is a comenmoration of the Hope & strenght of Japan and its people, whom beside any cathastrophy have flourished  eachtime through the years.