Japanese Family Crest – it is only for the Royal Family and the nobles in the western world, the family crest. However, in Japan, every family has its own crest which is called Kamon in Japanese. Its design is unique and sophisticated, and each has its meaning. We will take a look at Kamon’s history, some famous samurai family crests, and various scenes we see Kamon today.
Japanese Family Crest Consulting Service
Given the popular demand for searching family crests and roots, we have launched the Japanese Family Crest Consulting Service.
For those of you who have an interest in finding one’s Kamon and family roots, please take a look at Japanese Family Crest Consulting Service. (We no longer answer questions in the comment section.) We are hoping to help your journey of Japanese family crest search. We use unique resources with multiple family crest databases.
Japanese Surnames: Top 10 Ranking, Origin and its Meanings
Check out our interview with Mosho Uwaeshi, the Japanese family crest artisans in Tokyo. You can create your own Kamon even if you don’t have Japanese Kamon yourself.
Kamon the Avant-garde: Interview with Japanese Family Crest Artisans
Brief History of Japanese Family Crest: Kamon
We assume Kamon was seen since the Heian period (794-1185).
The nobles put beautiful patterns on various goods and they enjoyed its beauty. Gradually, they began to create their own family crest, Kamon.
Court nobles adopted simple and natural patterns like flowers and plants.
People could distinguish which stuff belongs to whose family by the patterns of the crest.
In Europe, only the privileged classes were allowed to have the crest.
On the other hand, every family has Kamon regardless of its position in Japan. And every Kamon has a meaning and there are 5,116 kinds of Kamon confirmed today.
Around this time, the family crest was only for the nobles just like the western society.
However, Japanese entered the phase other classes began to use the family crest at the request of the period.
Japanese Patterns: Traditional Motifs and Designs
At the age of the civil wars, samurai began using Kamon as well.
It is a well-known fact that Genji and Heishi fought a furious battle at the end of the Heian period.
The Genji used white flags while Heishi adopted red flags to distinguish their own troops and the army.
Samurai Kamon: Seven Notable Samurai Family Crests
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Not just different colored flags, but samurai started to have their own crest.
In this era, to give rewards to samurai’s services on the battlefield accurately, they assigned some people to watch closely the battle.
Then, those people gave a report about who had done the most rewarding service.
In this job, you have to distinguish each party precisely and Kamon came in very handy for this reason.
The Edo administration ordered common people not to use a family name. For that reason, they needed Kamon to distinguish between their own family and others among the people.
So the number of Kamon increased exponentially.
In 1868, the class system was abolished by modernization, everybody was allowed to use a family name again.
However, the culture of Kamon has stayed alive to the present.
Oda Family Crest
Oda Nobunaga was a powerful daimyo (feudal lord) in the late 16th century who attempted to unify Japan during the late Civil War era.
He is often regarded as ‘the first great unifier.’ Oda Family crest is ‘Mokko-mon’.
Actually, that is one of the main family crests Nobunaga had, he had 7 crests.
It is not very clear the origin of ‘Mokko-mon’, there are several theories like it’s a cross-section of a melon or some kind of flower.
It also resembles the shape of a bird’s nest with eggs in it looking from above, therefore this Kamon is used in hope of family prosperity.
The other six crests have their own meaning, here we take a look at characteristic ones out of six.
It is originally the Kamon of Heike, but Nobunaga insisted he was from Heike, so he used it.
Why he insisted on it because people believed the next conqueror would be someone from Heike, Nobunaga must have expressed his will through this Kamon.
Nobunaga used this Kamon on his flags. Eiraku Tsuho was a coin that was imported from Ming Dynasty.
It’s been circulated until the early period of Edo. Nobunaga was very active in working on economic policy.
Toyotomi Family Crest
Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a preeminent daimyo, warrior, general, samurai, and politician of the Civil War era who is regarded as Japan’s second ‘great unifier’.
Toyotomi Family uses ‘Kiri-mon’. Paulownia, which is “kiri” in Japanese, was believed to be the tree where a Chinese phoenix perches in ancient China myth.
Around 800, the Imperial Family of Japan began using Kiri-mon on their clothing.
Today’s Japanese government uses this Kiri-mon, also we can find it on the Japanese 500 yen coin.
After the Meiji period, the government began using it as a Japanese government crest.
From the Imperial Family to the Imperial Court, then the modern Japanese government, this Kamon has always been the symbol of high status.
Tokugawa Family Crest
Tokugawa Ieyasu was appointed to Shogun in A.D. 1603, and the Edo period began. Ieyasu was the third and the last ‘great unifier’.
Tokugawa Family use ‘Aoi’ comes from Futaba-Aoi plant.
It is originally from the Shin-mon (deity’s crest) of the Kamo shrine in Kyoto.
The Shinto priest in this shrine, Kamo, and groups of samurai in Mikawa had a close relationship. Ieyasu prohibited others to use this crest to keep its authority.
Shinto Shrine: History, Architecture, and Functions
Where You See Kamon Today – Japanese Family Crest
Perhaps you can see Kamon most at ceremonial occasions such as a wedding ceremony or a funeral.
We can see Kamon on the Japanese traditional kimono, Tomesode, which is a women’s formal dress, and Montsuki Hakama which is a men’s formal dress.
You have a chance to see Kamon more often when you are in Kyoto.
Stores like restaurants and confectionery shop which has been in business for many years, some of them are even more than 100 years have their own Kamon.
Usually, they put it on their curtain at the entrance which is called “Noren” and their wrapping paper.
We see Kamon on wrapping cloth, too. Wrapping cloth can be used in a versatile way. It can wrap fruit to wine bottles in it and still looks stylish and easy to carry.
“Tenugui” is the cheapest and most handy washing cloth you can own with Kamon on it.
Also, you can see Kamon on a necktie, an umbrella, and roof tile. It represents a certain family today as well.
But people enjoy having their favorite samurai family crest on a key holder as such. Sophisticated designs are inspirational and make everyday life feel special.
A sure way to see a lot of varieties of Kamon at one time is you go to a cemetery and you’ll find them on the tombstones.
The shrines and the temples have their crest, too.
The Shrine’s crest is called ‘Shin-mon’ as we have seen with Kamo Shrine, the temple’s called ‘Jin-mon’.
Often times Shin-mon’s and Jin-mon’s patterns are derived from their deity’s origin and tools used in rituals.
Shichi-Go-San: Japanese Celebration for Children Age of 7, 5, 3
As you can see above, you walk near some shrine and if they throw a party, you have a chance to see such paper lanterns with Kamon on it.
It would be interesting to find various patterns of Kamon on the street and look up the meaning behind it.
References
豊臣秀吉の家紋の意味は？政府が使っている理由について！ (history-land.com)
【暮らしの中の家紋②】現代の家紋 どのようなシーンで家紋が使われているのだろう (HOME’S PRESS)
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View Comments (609)
Hello Hiroko!
Hope you are having a wonderful day. I am looking for the famIily Kamon, last name which is Iha ("iha", first name Koho). My grandfather was from Chatan, Okinawa (as was his father). My mother doesn't remember what the family crest exactly looked like but she remembered 3-leaves (I don't know if this helps). I really appreciate any guidance and information you might have.
Thank you in advance for your help!
David
Hello David,
Thank you for your comment and sorry for the late reply. I have information about the Iha (伊波) family from Okinawa, including their origin and Kamon. Please let me know your father or grandfather’s first name in Kanji characters, which would help me narrow down the possibility. The Kamon attached to this family doesn’t have a three leaves design but a different motif, though.
Please feel free to reach out via email when you have any questions.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Hiroko
Good afternoon, Sir/Ma'am,
I am trying to find the Sato (佐藤) family Kamon for a very dear friend. Is this something you might be able to assist me with?
I asked her if she happened to know if her ancestors lived in Hokkaido in the 19th century or the Tohoku Region in the 19th century. I read somewhere that information could help narrow it down. I've not heard back yet.
I appreciate any assistance you are able to provide.
Hi Polly,
Thank you for your comment—I'm very glad you reached out.
The Sato (佐藤) family name is one of the most common in Japan, especially across Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. Because of this, there are many family crests (Kamon) historically associated with the name. For example, even in a single prefecture like Fukushima in Tohoku, more than 30 different crests are linked to Sato families.
To help narrow things down, the first step would be for your friend to confirm their family’s location, ideally the prefecture. Once we have that, I can share a list of possible Kamon found in that area and explain their meanings.
If your friend wants to trace their exact family crest, that would usually begin with retrieving their koseki (family registry). In some fortunate cases, the family temple or ancestral grave may also preserve the crest.
If it sounds helpful, I offer a Family Crest Research Report that brings together these historical and cultural insights.
https://www.patternz.jp/product/kamon-research-report/
Once your friend’s location is known, I’d be happy to suggest the best next steps.
Let me know via email if you'd like to explore it further.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
Hiroko
[patternz.jp]
Hello!
I am looking for my lastname Kamon, which is Tomita. My great grandfather was Hikotaro Tomita from Kumamoto. I will really appreciate any guidance and information you might have.
Thank you!
Hello Harumi,
Thank you for the comment! I have information about the Tomita family from Kumamoto Prefecture, including their potential origins and Kamon. “冨田” and ”富田” have different roots and Kamon, so could you please tell me which one your family name has?
I will look into my resources more once I have your family name’s kanji characters.
I would appreciate it if you could write back to me via email.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Hiroko
Hi, In your documentation you have an image for the Kamon Sakura Edamaru, Circled Cherry Blossom with Branches.
This is a very beautiful design. Is there a way to request permission to use this design on a piece of clothing.
Thank you in advance.
David
Hi David,
Thank you for the comment! There is no such thing as a registry for Kamon. So you can enjoy Sakura Edamaru on your clothing with no problem. I appreciate that you respect and cherish our tradition!
Please let me know via email if you have any questions.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
Have a great day!
Hiroko
I am looking for my in-laws, Kamon. Their family's last name is Hasegawa. My husband's grandfather's first name was Kenichi, and they were from the Okayama area. Any information you find is greatly appreciated.
Hello Jackie,
Thank you for the comment! I have information about the Hasegawa (長谷川) family from Okayama Prefecture, including their origins and family crest (Kamon). They have five origins and seven family crests with my resources. I can write a report about their potential roots and Kamon although I can’t narrow it down to one origin and one Kamon. Please consider our research report service if you find it relevant.
https://www.patternz.jp/product/kamon-research-report/
You can read reviews here.
https://www.patternz.jp/product/kamon-consulting/#reviews
Please let me know via email if you have any questions.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
Warm regards,
Hiroko
I am looking for my kamon, family name is Okamoto and my grandfather was from Wakayama, can you help?
Hello Mike,
Thank you for the comment! I have information about the Okamoto family (岡本家) from Wakayama Prefecture, including their origins and Kamon. They have 17 family crests and eight family origins. I can compile all potential Kamon and family roots for your reference, although I can’t narrow it down to one Kamon and one family origin. It would be greatly helpful if you happen to know your ancestral clan or any clue that would lead us to specify your lineage.
The following is my research report service page.
https://www.patternz.jp/product/kamon-research-report/
Please let me know via email if you have any questions.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Hiroko
Please let me know via email if you have any questions.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Hiroko
I am looking for the family crest of Ishizuka (my ancestors). Tochigi prefecture, I believe. It was the house of a feudal lord. The forest there is known for the place where Oda Nobunaga was led by the cranes to reveal his gathering enemies.
Please forgive me if my details are not completely correct.
Thank you.
Hello Gary,
Thank you for the comment! I have information about the Ishizuka (石塚) family from Tochigi Prefecture, including their potential origins and Kamon. Using my research report service, although I can’t narrow it down to one origin and the Kamon, I can write a report about the Ishizuka family with all potential roots and family crests. https://www.patternz.jp/product/kamon-consulting/
Please let me know via email if you have any questions.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
Kind regards,
Hiroko
Hi,
I am trying to trace my grandparents and their kamon..My last name is Ichihara from my father's side and Okiyama from my mother's side.. My grandparents/great parents moved here from Japan and we do not have any information from where? can you direct me for assistance? thank you
Hi Elisabeth,
Thank you for the comment! I will ask for a family tree creation expert and see if he can do anything without knowing the family domicile. It may take a while to get back to you, but I will let you know when I have some information. I will write from my email. (patternz.jp{at}gmail.com)
Kind regards,
Hiroko
Hi, I’m looking for information regarding my family crest. “Miyata” I know our family is from Hiroshima but I’m a3rd generation and I guess it got lost. I have the kanji for it as well.
Any information would be great!
Hi Ken,
Thank you for the comment! I have information about the Miyata (宮田) family from Hiroshima Prefecture, including potential origins and Kamon. Although I can’t narrow it down to one origin and one Kamon, I can still write a report on them for your reference using my research report service. https://www.patternz.jp/product/kamon-research-report/
Please let me know via email if you have any questions.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Hiroko
Hi, My family is Mizumoto originally from Kumamoto prefecture. Would you happen to have any information? I would love to get a report with any crest information if you had anything. Thank you!