Do you believe ancient clans still exist in Japan today? Yes, they do, as their descendants are still alive today. Generations of respecting the value of family have allowed Japanese clan symbols, aka Kamon, to survive. Ken-katabami_Creeping...

This Kamon represents the Japanese family name “Kato” Japan has a vast number of last names. Many of them originated around the 12th century and became official after the Meiji restoration in the 19th century. Until around the Warring...

Uesugizasa Kamon, the Japanese family crest, indicates a family’s origins. Unlike the coat of arms, it doesn’t belong to an individual but to a family. Foreigners can have one if they wish. Inheriting the Kamon from generation to...

Japanese warlords are known to have many family crests. They carry them for different occasions, and they often represent their bloodlines. However, many cases show that they are given by superiors or taken away from enemies by defeating them on the...

Torii Gate of Suwa Shrine in Nishi-Waseda, Tokyo, Japan There are 13 types of Shinto shrines in Japan, each with a different belief system and deities. A deeper understanding of many types of Shinto Shrines gives you different experiences and...