Flowers celebrating a store opening

Have you ever noticed the large bouquets of flowers, often on an elaborate stand, outside a new shop in Japan? They are very literally called kaiten iwai no hana 開店祝いの花 which translates to flowers celebrating a store opening.

It is a common and practical tradition where business partners, suppliers, and friends send these floral arrangements as a gesture of goodwill and a public announcement of the new business's launch. In fact, it is so common and normal that you rarely, if ever, see a new store, restaurant or business without these heralds.

Orchids are a traditional and very popular choice for these displays. Potted orchids are preferred because they represent the wish for the new business to "set down firm roots" and flourish, much like the plant itself. They are also favored for their long lifespan and lack of strong fragrance or pollen, which avoids interfering with the shop's environment or bothering customers with allergies.

Have you noticed these displays? I love that they help signal a new store or restaurant for me to check out!