Kiku – chrysanthemum in Japanese – is very appreciated flower in Japan, together with Sakura (cherry blossoms) it’s an unofficial national flower of Japan, it even appears on the Imperial seal and is a symbol of the Emperor and the Imperial family. Kiku has general meanings like ’noble’ and ’refined’, once people even believed that it could help them to extend their lives. Flowers with different colors have also their own meanings, for example ’love’, ’truth’ or ’wishes will come true’.

Kiku – for a Noble Child was originally written for a good friend of the composer. In addition, it was awarded in the composition competition organized by Tampere Piano Competition 2021 in order to find obligatory pieces to be performed in the competition, where was also premiered by several participants.