Beyond HIMAWARI: Not all sunflowers are yellow #04 Challenging the "Stereotype" of Sunflowers: The Story Behind the Birth of Darjeeling. What's in a Name? Vol. 2

The color, atmosphere, and lingering impression that the name "Darjeeling" sunflower evokes. We delve into its origins and the story behind its name.

Darjeeling – what kind of flower do you imagine from this sound?

When you hear "Darjeeling," tea might be the first thing that comes to mind.
Many people probably associate it with nobility, fragrance, and a calm impression.

And it is this name that graces the "Darjeeling" sunflower, a double-flowered variety with multiple layers of reddish-brown petals.
Its appearance, exuding a depth like that of fine tea, possesses a charm that defies conventional notions of sunflowers.
This time, to explore the background of the naming of "Darjeeling,"
we once again spoke with Mr. Matsumoto from Miyoshi Co., Ltd., who was involved in its development.

*For more details on the "Darjeeling" sunflower, please refer to this article.

Color, atmosphere, lingering impression – Naming "unspoken sensations"

Theきっかけ for the name was a casual remark from a sales agent in Chiba.
"Darjeeling is nice, isn't it?"
At that moment, he reportedly felt an "aha!" moment, realizing it was the perfect name.
From there, the choices were narrowed down to three, including other brown-toned candidates like "Chocolat,"
and the sales, production, and development teams voted, ultimately deciding on "Darjeeling."

Mr. Matsumoto recalls that time:
"From the first time I heard it, I already felt that this flower could only be named 'Darjeeling'."

As a summer flower with a reddish-brown color, this sunflower
stood in contrast to the yellow double-flowered sunflower "Lemonade," which was already in circulation,
and "Tohoku Yahei," whose overseas name was "Orangeade."
Thus, "Darjeeling" naturally took root as a name that supported its unique world.

For a new flower, new flower meanings.
The flower meaning for "Darjeeling" proposed by &YOUKAEN

Generally, the flower meanings of sunflowers include "admiration" and "I gaze at you."
Many words expressing passion and straightforwardness have been used, stemming from their tendency to face the sun.

However, for "Darjeeling," with its deep, subdued colors and double-flowered form,
such words didn't quite fit – this was a shared understanding among the project members.
And the new flower meaning that &YOUKAEN arrived at is: "the moment of beginning."

The etymology of "Darjeeling" comes from the Tibetan "Dorje Ling."
Its meaning is "land of the thunderbolt."
The experience of seeing this sunflower for the first time, completely re-shaping existing perceptions of sunflowers, was like being struck by lightning.
This sentiment is encapsulated in the phrase "the awakening of new value = the moment of beginning."

"What kind of person would suit this sunflower?"

"Darjeeling" stands apart from bright and cheerful sunflowers.
It's a grown-up sunflower that subtly, yet surely, asserts its presence.
It's perfect as a gift for those who are drawn to layers of depth rather than straightforward brightness,
and for those with a refined sensibility who can enjoy the lingering essence of summer.

Who decided that "sunflowers must be yellow"?
This flower, which seems to pose that very question, might even change the recipient's values.

A one-of-a-kind sunflower, chosen for its appealing name.

When asked, "What kind of flower is it?" or "Why that name?",
"Darjeeling" is a sunflower with a story to tell.

Beyond HIMAWARI by &YOUKAEN brings together the developer's dedication, the producer's passion, and the sender's taste.
How about a summer gift to enjoy now that you're an adult?