Tokyo tower
Unicode: 1F5FC
Description
It depicts a red torii, the traditional gate to a Shinto shrine in Japan. The torii is typically red (vermilion) with two vertical posts and two horizontal crossbeams, often curved at the top. It symbolizes the transition from the mundane to the sacred.
Group:
Travel & Places > place-building
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Neutral, but can evoke feelings of peace, spirituality, tradition, or a sense of place. It is primarily an iconic representation rather than an emotional one.
Backstory
The torii emoji was approved as part of Unicode 6.0 in 2010. Its inclusion reflects the growing representation of various cultural and religious symbols in the emoji set, particularly those iconic to Japanese culture and geography.
Usage Examples
- Talking about travel to Japan: 'Planning my trip to Kyoto! Can't wait to see the Fushimi Inari-taisha ⛩️'
- Discussing Japanese culture or festivals: 'Learning about Shinto traditions and the significance of the torii ⛩️'
- Representing a spiritual or peaceful place: 'Found such a serene spot for meditation, like a hidden shrine ⛩️'
- Referring to a specific landmark: 'The floating torii gate at Miyajima is iconic! ⛩️'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Often recognized as a symbol of Japan, Japanese culture, or tourism. May be associated with martial arts, cherry blossoms, or sushi due to general associations with Japan.
East Asian culture:
Deeply ingrained cultural and religious symbol, representing Shinto shrines, sacred spaces, and traditional Japanese architecture. Understood as a direct reference to Shintoism or a visit to a shrine.