Murakami’s flowers are rich in symbolism, drawing from his personal experiences and Japan’s cultural heritage. The smiling flower, with its cheerful grin and closed eyes, symbolizes joy and optimism. Yet, beneath their bright exteriors, the hidden tears of these flowers convey deep emotional undertones, mirroring Murakami’s personal experiences and the collective trauma of the Japanese people. The artist highlights themes of hope and resilience by depicting vibrant flowers rising from the rubble of earthquakes and tsunamis, representing the potential for renewal.

One of Murakami’s most notable contributions is his exploration of the intersection between high and low culture, which shaped the evolution of his iconic flower motif. Inspired by manga and anime aesthetics, his flowers took on a more simplified, cartoon-like appearance.
Through careful experimentation with color, texture, and scale, Murakami ultimately developed his signature Murakami Flowers design—featuring multiple flowers per stem set against vividly colored backgrounds.