The Flower Meanings behind each P5R Flower Keychain Merch
After pre-ordering the P5R flower keychain merch, I decided delve into the flower meanings that each PT character is associated with in the new flower keychain merch.
I’m going to research into the Hanakotoba (花言葉) meaning of these flowers, the English meanings, and the relevant flower essences to hopefully get the right information. Then I’ll try to connect how they relate to the characters. Understand that what I’ll say may not be 100% right, because this is my own interpretation.
The flower meanings I gotten are based on the Japanese websites and English websites that I looked into. THIS IS GOING TO BE A VERY LONG POST so please excuse any potential grammar mistakes I may have made.
If I ever have time, I might make separate posts for each Phantom Thief regarding the history, folklore and meta of their flowers.
Ren Amamiya - Red China Asters & White Daisies
China Asters are called 蝦夷菊 (Ezogiku) or in Katakana, エゾギク in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) China Asters in general mean:
私はあなたを想うでしょう (I will think of you)
And Red China Asters in particular mean:
The English meaning of these Asters are:
Daintiness (Gentle and Kind personality)
Afterthought (Remembering someone who is no longer with you / Thinking if things should have happened differently)
And the Red color in an Aster is the color of passion that expresses strong emotions towards these meanings.
So basically China Asters mean Change and Recollection (Remembering something/someone), and “私はあなたを想うでしょう (I will think of you)”.
Note: There are 2 different classifications of Aster flowers. One is the Shion (シオン) Aster. The other is the China (エゾギク) Aster. There is no such thing as a red Shion Aster. China Asters on the other hand, comes with a variety of colors including red. Therefore, the red asters are China Asters.
Shion Asters tend to have the meaning: “君を忘れない (I won’t forget you)”. China Asters tend to have a similar meaning which is: “私はあなたを想うでしょう (I will think of you)”. This indicates remembering someone who is no longer with you, or when they are far away and separated from you. It seems that Asters in general involve remembering someone and not wanting to forget them.
How this connects to Ren:
Since Red Asters in particular mean “change”, I think this refers to how Ren is a “shapeshifter” (from the Beneath the Mask song), since he is a WildCard user who uses different personas and masks. I think the “変化を好む (I prefer change) ” meaning refers to how Ren wanted to reform society as a Phantom Thief.
China Asters in general also mean “recollection”, I think this refers to what happened between Ren and Akechi. Ren deeply regretted how he wasn’t able to save Akechi in the engine room and wanted things to happen differently between them (Like peacefully playing chess with Akechi in his room in the “Bad Ending”). For Akechi to be present and by his side…that was his wish in the dream world. This can also refer to how Akechi said “If only we had met a few years earlier…”. Recollection is also connected to the "私はあなたを想うでしょう (I will think of you)” meaning. Ren still remembers his promise with Akechi, even after the dream world ended. Akechi was separated from him twice but Ren still carries Akechi’s glove with him, thinking of him.
The meaning of these flowers are probably connected to the meaning of Akechi’s Forget-Me-Nots that I will mention later in this post.
Daisies are called 雛菊 (Hinagiku) or just デイジー (Daisy) in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Daisies in general mean:
And White Daisies in particular mean:
The English meanings of these Daisies are:
If the Daisy color is White then that specifically means “Innocence” and “Purity”.
How this connects to Ren:
Ren has his own sense of justice and righteousness, and he believes that what he’s doing is for the greater good. He is the Trickster who brings hope and drives away ruin. Shido falsely accused Ren of assault even though Ren’s innocent. He gotten a criminal record even though he is innocent. Ren started off as a misunderstood hero… and yeah I guess Ren is pretty good-looking too “美人 (Beautiful person)” lol.
Ryuji Sakamoto - Sunflowers & Red Ace Hydrangeas
Sunflowers are called 向日葵 (Himawari) or in katakana ヒマワリ in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Sunflowers mean:
私はあなただけを見つめる (I only have my eyes on you)
あなたを幸福にする (I will make you happy)
崇拝 (Admiration / Adoration)
あなたは素晴らしい (You are amazing)
The English meanings of these Sunflowers are:
So basically Sunflowers mean admiring someone or adoring someone and it also means happiness.
How this connects to Ryuji:
Ryuji is Ren’s best friend, and he also greatly admires Ren for being the leader of the Phantom Thieves. Ryuji is also the type of guy who is loud, cheerful, and optimistic. This can connect to brightness and happiness.
Hydrangeas are called 紫陽花 (Ajisai) or in katakana アジサイ in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Hydrangeas mean:
高慢 (Boastfulness / Arrogance)
冷酷 (Ruthlessness / Cold-Hearted)
The English meanings of Hydrangeas are:
In Japan, Hydrangeas are usually used to express apology for bad behavior. That’s why negative words like 冷酷 (Ruthlessness / Cold-Hearted) and 高慢 (Boastfulness / Arrogance) are associated with it. It’s to apologize for behaving like that.
How this connects to Ryuji:
Ryuji is a delinquent and a troublemaker. However, he’s also the type to apologize for the things he messed up on. One example is Ryuji feeling sorry for his mother because attacking Kamoshida ruined his chances of making things easier for her (like getting an athletic scholarship). Another example is the 3rd Semester where he deeply apologizes to Ren for abandoning him to enjoy the dream world. For 高慢 (Boastfulness / Arrogance), Ryuji wanted to have more fame and recognition as the Phantom Thieves were becoming more popular, but that was until the Okumura incident.
Ann Takamaki - Red Roses & Strawberry Blossoms
“A Beautiful Rose has thorns!” - Ann
Roses are called 薔薇 (Bara) or they can be just called ローズ (Rose) in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Roses in general mean:
And Red Roses in particular mean:
The English meanings of Red Roses are pretty much the same: Passionate Love, Romance, and Beauty. Roses are the most well-known flowers across the world.
How this connects to Ann:
Ann is associated with the Lovers Arcana. Ann’s phantom thief attire is also associated around the themes of beauty, lust, and love. This is because her Persona is Carmen, who is a Femme Fatale (An attractive and seductive woman, especially one who is likely to cause distress or disaster to a man who becomes involved with her). Like what Ann said in battle: “A Beautiful Rose has thorns!“
Strawberries are called 苺 (Ichigo) in Japan.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Strawberry Blossoms mean:
あなたは私を喜ばせる (You please me)
The English meanings of Strawberry Blossoms are:
So basically Strawberry Blossoms mean perfection, love, and righteousness.
The essence of a Strawberry Blossom can help those who are going through a mental loop of fear and anxiety. For people who are worrying themselves to exhaustion and tears.
How this connects to Ann:
Ann is very kind, compassionate, and also cheerful when she’s with the Phantom Thieves. When it comes to “righteousness“, Ann has moral values and tends to reflect on whether her’s or the PT’s actions are right or wrong. She also has a strong desire to help those in need. I think “perfection” connects to how Ann is confidant about her physical appearance, but she also wants to be mentally strong and confidant like the female villains she watched.
The essence of a Strawberry Blossom (a mental loop of fear and anxiety) could connect to what Ann was going through during the Kamoshida arc. She worries a lot about Shiho, and was unfortunately put into a situation where she had to deal with Kamoshida’s threats and sexual harassment. This is because she feared that Shiho would lose her position in the volleyball team. This situation was so stressful that she suddenly had to talk to Ren about it at the station.
Yusuke Kitagawa - Nemophilas & Lily of the Valleys
Nemophilas (aka Baby Blue Eyes) are called 瑠璃唐草 (Rurikarakusa) or just ネモフィラ (Nemophila) in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Nemophilas mean:
どこでも成功 (Success everywhere)
The English meanings of Nemophilas are pretty much the same: Victory and Success.
Nemophilas have essences for anyone who during their childhood, had lack of support from their father figure or had issues with their father figure.
How this connects to Yusuke:
Sure the “success” meaning could probably connect to Yusuke trying to succeed his art career, but I think the Nemophila essence meaning connects to him more. Yusuke did have a father figure in his childhood who is Madarame. Madarame adopted him shortly after his mother’s death. He became corrupted by his distorted desires and treated Yusuke as a tool to help bolster his fame and riches. Yusuke had issues with Madarame‘s abuse and eventually fought against him in the Metaverse.
However Yusuke still have this conflicting case of Stockholm Syndrome towards Madarame and it shows during the 3rd semester. In the dream world, part of Yusuke’s wish was to have Madarame be a supporting and sincere father figure towards him. This can connect to the Nemophila meaning of “feeling supported and loved, especially by male figures”.
One of the birth flower dates for Nemophilas is January 28th, which is Yusuke’s birthday. So these flowers are REALLY for Yusuke!
Lily of the Valleys are called 鈴蘭 (Suzuran) or in katakana スズラン in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Lily of the Valleys mean:
再び幸せが訪れる (Return of Happiness)
The English meanings of Lily of the Valleys are:
You made my life complete
So basically the Lily of the Valley flowers mean “Return of Happiness” but it could also mean “Motherhood”, because this flower is considered to be the perfect flower for the month of May, and Mother’s Day takes place in May. On May 1st, it is a custom to give a loved one Lily of the Valleys.
Lily of the Valley also has essences for those who are yearning or desiring relationships that are unattainable.
How this connects to Yusuke:
The “再び幸せが訪れる (Return of Happiness)“ meaning could refer to Yusuke becoming part of the Phantom Thieves and obtaining new friends. The PTs saved him from Madarame. Note that Yusuke first met the Phantom Thieves on the month of May, and Lily of the Valleys are heavily associated with that month.
I think this also relates to the Sayuri painting. The true form of the Sayuri painting expresses motherhood. The woman in the painting is holding a baby. Yusuke’s mother created this painting of herself happily holding her newborn son in her arms. “Yearning for relationships that are unattainable” could probably refer to how Yusuke deep down yearn for parental love. His biological parents aren’t present in his life and Madarame is a corrupted father figure. I mentioned before that part of Yusuke’s wish in the dream world was to have Madarame be a supporting and sincere father figure towards him.
Makoto Niijima - Canterbury Bells & Pink Tree Peonies
Canterbury Bells (aka Bellflowers), are called カンパニュラ (Campanula) in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Canterbury Bells mean:
思いを告げる (Telling your Thoughts)
The English meanings of Canterbury Bells are:
So basically Canterbury bells mean “Gratitude” and “Telling your Thoughts”.
The essence of Canterbury Bells are for those who are stressed and cannot think for themselves. Canterbury Bells can help clear their minds so that they can stand up for themselves and make their own decisions.
How this connects to Makoto:
Before she joined the Phantom Thieves, Makoto was considered to be an obedient “good girl type of pushover” who followed the rules and couldn’t make her own decisions. During the Kaneshiro arc, so many things were happening to her at once such as the Principal giving her a difficult task, Sae getting angry at her during dinner, and Goro calling her a pushover. All of this really stressed her because her obedience is suffocating her. This connects to the “思いを告げる (Telling your Thoughts)“ meaning because it wasn’t until she entered Kaneshiro’s palace that she was finally able to speak her mind and stand up for herself.
One of the birth flower dates for Canterbury Bells is April 23rd, which is Makoto’s birthday. So these flowers are REALLY for Makoto!
Tree Peonies are called 牡丹 (Botan) or in katakana ボタン in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Tree Peonies mean:
王者の風格 (Personality of a King)
The English meanings of Tree Peonies are:
In Japan, Tree Peonies are well-respected and known to be called the “King of Flowers” (花の王様) or the “King of a Hundred Flowers” (百花の王). The reason why they’re called that is because back in history, Tree Peonies were used to decorate throne rooms and royal palaces. That’s why Tree Peonies tend to have meanings relating to royalty and honor.
The essence of Peonies are for those who are overworking themselves and trying to work hard for everything.
How this connects to Makoto:
Makoto’s code name is “Queen”, because of her bossy and strict personality. This also connects to the “王者の風格 (Personality of a King)“ meaning. Makoto’s bossy personality can be a King-like trait. Also a Queen is just a royal female version of a King. Makoto also worked hard to keep her grades in check and studied a lot in order to go to a good college. This could connect to the Peony essence for trying to work hard for everything. Makoto also drove a lot in P5 Strikers and exhausted herself from it. This could mean that Makoto is also the type to overwork herself.
The “はにかみ (Bashfulness)” meaning could probably connect to how Makoto has vulnerable or cute sides to her. She is scared of paranormal activity and have cute buchimaru merch in her room.
Futaba Sakura - Dandelions & Red Carnations
Dandelions are called 蒲公英 (Tanpopo) or in katakana タンポポ in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Dandelions mean:
The English meanings of Dandelions are:
Dandelions are known to be a fortune-telling flower which is why words like “神託 (Oracle)” are associated with it. It seems like Dandelions also mean “Happiness” but also “Separation”.
How this connects to Futaba:
Obviously Futaba’s code name is “Oracle”, so all of the “神託 (Oracle)” and “愛の神託 (Oracle of Love)“ meanings of this flower connects to her. The “別離 (Separation)“ meaning could refer to how Futaba is separated from her mother because her mother died. The “幸福 (Happiness)“ meaning probably refers to how Futaba became happy again and gained new friends after the Phantom Thieves saved her.
One of the birth flower dates for Dandelions is February 19th, which is Futaba’s birthday. So these flowers are REALLY for Futaba!
Carnations are called カーネーション (Carnation) in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Carnations in general mean:
無垢で深い愛 (Innocent and Deep Love)
And Red Carnations in particular mean:
The English meanings of Carnations are:
Carnations are known to symbolize Mother’s Day which is why “母への愛 (A Mother’s Love)“ is associated with it. The Red color of that flower in particular are used the most for Mother’s Day.
How this connects to Futaba:
Futaba loves her mother (Wakaba) a lot and she also misses her mother a lot. The whole Futaba Palace arc was about Futaba struggling to overcome her mother’s death. She later realized in her Palace that her mother doesn’t hate her and still loves her. This connects to the “母への愛 (A Mother’s Love)“ meaning. Futaba deep down still hasn’t overcome her mother’s death and it shows in the 3rd semester. Futaba’s wish in the dream world was to have Wakaba still alive. Futaba knew it wasn’t real early on, but she still rolled with it anyway because “If I got to see my mom again, then it was okay…”. She eventually apologized to Ren for this though.
Haru Okumura - Pink Roses & Hypericum Berries
As you already know, in Hanakotoba (花言葉) Roses in general mean:
But Pink Roses in particular mean:
しとやか (Graceful / Ladylike)
The English meanings of Pink Roses are:
Ann’s Red Roses represent passionate love and romance. Haru’s Pink Roses on the other hand, have a different meaning. Pink Roses are more associated with beauty and grace.
How this connects to Haru:
Haru is the “Beauty Thief”, and is associated with the themes of classy elegance, beauty and grace. This is because her Persona is Milady, who is a sophisticated and elegant woman. It’s also because Haru is rich. Haru is familiar with what it’s like to live in a high-class lifestyle.
Hypericum are called ヒペリカム (Hypericum) in Japanese
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Hypericums mean:
悲しみは続かない (Sadness that doesn’t last)
The English meanings of Hypericums are:
Hypericums are usually given to those who are grieving or lost a loved one. They are also known to relieve depression, because the medicine that uses this plant are antidepressants. Hypericums are also used to drive away devils, witches, sorcery, and misfortune. This is the reason why Hypericums have “悲しみは続かない (Sadness that doesn’t last)” as its meaning.
How this connects to Haru:
I think this is connected to how Haru lost her father and she was really sad about it. Hypericums are for those “who are grieving or lost a loved one“. The meaning of “driving away devils, witches, sorcery, and misfortune“ could refer to how Haru had to fight against her father in the Metaverse in order to stop his corruption and save anyone (and herself) who were affected by his distorted desires. Even after the Okumura arc, she still grieved about her father to the point that her wish in the dream world was to have her father alive again.
The “悲しみは続かない (Sadness that doesn’t last)“ meaning could refer to Haru joining the Phantom Thieves and not being sad anymore. Her new friends relieved her depression.
Sumire Yoshizawa - Baby’s Breaths & Blue Star Milkweeds
Baby’s Breaths (aka Gypsophilas) are called かすみ草 (Kasumisou) in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Baby’s Breaths mean:
The English meanings of Baby’s Breaths are:
So basically Baby’s Breath mean “Innocence”, “Purity”, and “Everlasting Love”.
How this connects to Sumire:
The name of the flower. In Japanese, Baby’s Breaths are called “Kasumi” (かすみ) in hiragana. The name of Sumire’s twin sister is also in hiragana: かすみ 芳澤 (Kasumi Yoshizawa). It appears that Kasumi is named after the Baby’s Breath flower. Sumire on the other hand, is named after Violets, and Violets are called すみれ草 (Sumiresou). What is the Hanakotoba meaning of Violets? “白昼夢 (Daydreaming)” and “あなたのことで頭がいっぱい (You Occupy my Thoughts)”.
Kasumi = Baby’s Breaths (Innocence, Pure Heart)
Sumire = Violets (Daydreaming, You Occupy my Thoughts)
Sumire was the first to be affected by Maruki’s power. Her cognition was changed, causing her to believe that she’s Kasumi. This is connected to the “白昼夢 (Daydreaming)” meaning. During her time being Kasumi, she was completely oblivious that she’s not Kasumi. This could connect to the “Innocence” meaning.
It’s also the reason why the Sumire keychain have Baby’s Breaths flowers instead of Violets. This is the Sumire that thinks she’s Kasumi.
The “永遠の愛 (Everlasting Love)“ meaning could probably refer to the bond between the two sisters.
The Blue Star Milkweeds (aka Tweedias) are called ブルースター (BlueStars) in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) BlueStars mean:
信じあう心 (Hearts that believe in each other)
The English meaning of BlueStars are:
BlueStars are one of the common flowers that are used in weddings in a bride’s bouquet. I guess that’s why meanings like “幸福な愛 (Happy Love)“ and “信じあう心 (Hearts that believe in each other)” are associated with it.
The essence of BlueStars are associated with dream and reality. It helps balance the ability to daydream with the need to keep one foot fully grounded in reality.
How this connects to Sumire:
Sumire’s 3rd tier Persona Ella, represents Cinderella during her wedding day. The blue color of the BlueStars could also refer to the color of Sumire’s 1st Persona, Cendrillon.
But the essence of BlueStars seem to connect to her more. Regarding the Inharmonious Expression, Sumire wasn’t able to accept reality at first, and wanted to stay being Kasumi in the dream world. This could connect to her lack of ability to move forward and her inability to travel to another dimension (Reality). Then during her time in the 3rd semester with the Phantom Thieves and Akechi, Sumire eventually gained the courage to accept herself. She was finally able to keep one foot fully grounded in reality.
Goro Akechi - Lobelias & Pink Forget-Me-Nots
Lobelias are called ロベリア (Lobelia) in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Lobelias mean:
悪意 (Malevolence / Evil Intentions)
いつも愛らしい (Always Charming)
The English meanings of Lobelias are:
So basically Lobelias symbolizes “Malevolence”. The reason why Lobelias have these negative meanings is because even though these flowers look pretty, they are really toxic flowers that can kill you.
How this connects to Goro:
Goro’s true nature is full of malevolence and hate. He had caused psychotic breakdowns, had killed some people, and had attempted to betray the Phantom Thieves and kill Ren. His hatred comes from his desire for revenge against Shido, because Shido is the one who ruined his life as well as his mother’s. The 3rd semester showed this side of him even more. He is more ruthless, vulgar, aggressive, and wildly feral especially towards shadows. He takes great pleasure in killing them. Goro can also make himself go berserk by using “Call of Chaos” on himself.
Goro being a murderer and taking pleasure in killing things can connect to how the Lobelia flowers are really toxic and can kill you.
The “いつも愛らしい (Always Charming)” meaning could refer to how Goro is still pretty and charming despite showing is feral side. Like come on, look at this baby face:
Forget-Me-Nots are called 忘れな草 (Wasurenakusa) in Japanese.
In Hanakotoba (花言葉) Forget-Me-Nots in general mean:
私を忘れないで (Don’t forget me)
And Pink Forget-Me-Nots in particular mean:
The English meanings of Forget-Me-Nots are:
The meanings of “True Love” and “Don’t Forget Me” came from legends of tragic romances in medieval times.
The essence of Forget-Me-Nots are for those who never fully resolved their isolation and abandonment issues after experiencing the death of an important family member or friend during childhood.
How this connects to Goro:
The “私を忘れないで (Don’t forget me)” and “Remembrance” meanings refers to what happened between Goro and Ren. Goro made a promise with Ren and gave Ren one of his gloves. But then Goro “died” in the Engine Room and Ren was devastated about it. Ren still kept the glove that Goro gave him and remembers him from it. This can also relate to the meaning of the China Asters that Ren is associated with: "私はあなたを想うでしょう (I will think of you)”, and also relates to “Memory of a dead person”.
The “真実の友情 (True Friendship)” meaning from the Pink Forget-Me-Nots in particular could refer to how in P5R, Goro now has a manual confidant. Ren is able to have an “open and honest relationship” with Goro because of this.
The essence of Forget-Me-Nots also relates to Goro. Goro does indeed have isolation and abandonment issues. He mentioned how he’s an unwanted bastard child, and in the engine room he mentioned how he wanted to be loved. He also deep down wanted to be acknowledged by Shido since Shido is his only biological link. Shido of course took advantage of that. All of this is because during Goro’s childhood, his mother committed suicide, leaving him feeling alone and unwanted. The death of an important family member.
Since Forget-Me-Nots gotten their name from tragic romances, this can connect to how ShuAke is a tragic and angsty romance as well. Since they have an “open and honest relationship”, their “真実の友情 (True Friendship)” can turn into “真実の愛 (True Love)” as the story progresses. Also… their flowers communicated to each other like:
Goro: 私を忘れないで (Don’t forget me)
Ren: 私はあなたを想うでしょう。 君を忘れない (I will think of you. I won’t forget you)
Whew…. I gotta say, making this post has made me learn a lot about flowers and the flower language. Thanks to this new knowledge, I will consider using the meaning of flowers in my future video projects from now on. Making this post also made me delve into the meta of the other Phantom Thieves and I began to like them more because of it.
Like I said, my interpretations aren’t 100% correct, so make what you will with this knowledge.
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