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
Bushido Virtues: Samurai Code of Conduct Holds Good
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)
Related Articles
Kamon the Avant-garde: Interview with Japanese Family Crest Artisans
Chiyogami Crafts: History, Paper Dolls, and Bookmarks
Geisha: Makeup, Hairstyles, and History of Highly Skilled Artists
Yukata: Japanese Traditional Casual Dress for Summer
Japanese Garden: History, Design Principles, and Elements
View Comments (528)
Hello, I was wondering if you could tell me more about my last name Kusuda and my moms maiden name, Shiraishi. I was wondering if anyone could find the Kamon/family crest of both.
Hi Josh,
Thanks for the comment! Could you tell me about family locations such as prefectures? Both the Kusuda (楠田) and Shiraishi (白石) families. I’ll look up with my resources whether I have any related information about them, including family origins and family crests.
You can write to me back via the email address below.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Hiroko
Hello,
I went to Yokohama to visit my grandfather‘s grave. And on it had the family crest. His last name is Ame. Our family crest is the one from the Takenaka clan. My grandfather was born in th late 1800’s. While I was reading, I found out there were parent houses the Kamon belonged to. Are parent houses important? Thank you. I’m interested in your research as well.
Hi Emma,
Thanks for the comment! If you mean the main family by "parent houses," yes, it's significant since the main family lineage from which branch families emerge, and as a result, the family crest also increases. If I misunderstood your question and my answer is off the mark, please let me know. You can write me back via the email address below.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
Hiroko
Do you know the family crest for Shimizu from Ibaraki prefecture
Hi Tamera,
Thanks for the comment! I have related information about the Shimizu (清水) family from Ibaraki Prefecture. They have five different origins with eight family crests. Although I can’t narrow it down to one root with one Kamon, I can compile the report with all possible origins with Kamon for your reference. Here's my Research Report service detail: https://www.patternz.jp/product/kamon-consulting/
Please let me know if you have any questions via the email address below.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
Hiroko
Hello!
I was wondering you know if a circle around the design has a meaning? I'm asking because my Japanese mother (who is 91 years old) said that only the oldest son could use the father's kamon and subsequent sons had to put a circle around it to indicate that they not the firstborn son. Is my mother remembering correctly?
Thank you for your time.
Hi Teresa,
Thanks for the comment! Your mother remembers it correctly. It's a Japanese tradition that the firstborn son inherits the Kamon of the family and other sons have to add some outline or swords or vile to distinguish from the original one. Putting a circle is the most common practice but we have many other variations, too. However, I'm not very sure how much this tradition is alive to this day.
Please let me know if you have any other questions. You can write to me via the email address below.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
Have a nice day!
Hiroko
Was hoping to see if anyone could help me as i am trying to find my family crest but not sure if i have one last name is Tsuhako. Im American asian & my grandma tells me that my great grandma who is 104 now (still alive)
Her father was a samurai of royal & disowned her because she married a farmer. Not sure how much is true but would love some help..
Thank you best regards.
Hi Joshua,
Thanks for the comment! I have related information about the Tsuhako (津波古) family from Okinawa, including their origin and the Kamon. Do you know your father or grandfather's names in kanji characters? If so, please let me know. If you would like further information, I can compile the report about the Tsuhako family with my Research Report service. https://www.patternz.jp/product/kamon-consulting/
You can write me via the email address below if you have any questions.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
Hiroko
Hello am artist is there a website or database were people can view kamon patterns and there meanings?
Hi David,
Thanks for the comment! There are many websites that carry many Kamon, and some of them have general meanings but for a few patterns. They are all come in Japanese. You can see kind of database by typing "家紋" (Japanese family crest) and "一覧" (list) in google, but you might want to get a book for meanings. "Elements Of Japanese Design: Handbook Of Family Crests, Heraldry & Symbolism" written by John Dower is a good book to understand significance and symbolism of Kamon.
I hope it helps!
Hiroko
We visited my grandfathers grave site in Boyle Heights, California prior to my father (Mitsunori Kawagoye) passing and had this symbol on the headstone. Along with some kanji for we think is River Crossing . We are trying to determine if it is the family crest for the Kawagoye Family.
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the comment! Could you send the photo of that symbol to me? Also, could you tell me about your family domicile in Japan (such as prefecture)? I'll look up with my resources whether I have related information about the Kawagoye Family.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
Hiroko
Still trying to discover the Tatsumoto (辰本) family crest from Hiroshima. My grandfather was Saburo Tatsumoto - his father was Minosuke Tatsumoto, mother was Tora Kirihara. He had at least 2 sisters, Hatsumi and Mitsuko Tatsumoto. Saburo was the only one who remained in Hawaii - the rest of the family returned to Hiroshima ~1920.
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for the comment! Unfortunately, I don't have related information about the Tatsumoto (辰本) family from Hiroshima. I can introduce you to a family tree creation expert who may help you discover your family crest. His research starts with acquiring a family register, so you need IDs to prove the relationship with the person who had Japanese nationality.
Please let me know if you have any questions. You can write me via the email address below.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
Have a great day!
Hiroko
Am American Japanese and want to make my own crest. I want to know if there are any crest with a fox or sumire flower design or jewelry?
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for the comment! In the traditional Japanese family crest design collection, while being rare, several sumire flower patterns exists, but not fox ones. Although, I've seen modern artist made some fox motif crests.
Good luck with your crest design!
Hiroko
Hi Hiroko,
I was wondering if you would have any information on some kamon/crests my family sent me! Mine is seen on 14 D-7, and my family name is Fujimori (藤森), do you think this is correct? I did some deep diving and saw that the crest is the same as the Sugawara Clan- would we be descendants if this is our crest? I never had the opportunity to meet family in Japan, or if I even have family still there! I would just love to uncover more about my Japanese family history. I am a Yonsei living in America, but my family in Japan is from somewhere in Kyushu- either Kumamoto or Fukuoka. Thank you so much! :)
Erin
Hi Erin,
Thanks for the comment! Unfortunately, I don't have related information about the Fujimori (藤森) family either from Kumamoto or Fukuoka prefectures. But since your family member sent you the photo of the Plum Pattern in a Circle (Maru-ni Umebachi,) it should be your Kamon. Like you have researched, this Kamon is largely related to the Sugawara clan but not belong to this clan alone. Clans/families which have faith in the Tenjin (Shrine) also adopted it as their family crests. So it cannot be determined conclusively, but it is likely either a branch of the Sugawara clan or a case where the family crest was adopted from the local popularity of Tenjin belief and its crest.
Your family member might have more information since they already know the Kamon.
I hope it helps and feel free to let me know if you have more questions via the email address below.
patternz.jp{at}gmail.com
Hiroko