The story of colors

11 Color of a Supporting Role: Gray

* When we want a definite answer from someone, we often say, "Tell me yes or no." In Japanese language, we have an expression "shiro kuro wo semaru," which literally means demanding someone to answer white or black. If we cannot decide "black" or "white," our conclusion will remain "gray" at least for some time.
* White, black, and gray are called "achromatic colors." Of those, gray, which has no outstanding character, is particularly suitable to represent vague, ambiguous state.
* In addition to fuzziness, gray imparts a negative image. For instance, we say, "Japan's economy is gray," and "My life has been gray." In these expressions, "haiiro" or gray represents negative aspects of the Japanese economy and my life respectively. While English-speaking people often use "blue" to express gloomy, or melancholic mood, "gray" is used in Japanese more frequently than "blue."
* Gray, however, plays an important role in color coordination. For instance, whereas the combination of pink and red imparts sweetness, if you add white to that combination, it will impart a sporty image; and if you add gray, the tricolors (red, pink, and gray) will create a modern and mature image.

Is Gray a Color of Non-character?

* Gray has no outstanding characteristics, and is associated with sadness, loneliness, and darkness, as long as the color is used alone. When gray is used with other tones, however, gray plays a supporting role so magnificently that no other color can substitute it. In short, gray works as an excellent coordinator.
* Like gray that works as an excellent coordinator of bright, strong colors, some people coordinate individuals that have strong, outstanding personality. Although people like gray are not noticeable, they are essential as excellent supporting role actors. In this sense, I respect people of modest personality like gray. I strongly feel that people and colors have something in common; like colors whose roles are determined depending on the combination with other colors, roles of people and their significance are determined by the presence of other people.