If you’ve been to Japan, you may have noticed symbols adorning rooftops, fabric drapes, kimonos, and even paper lanterns lining the streets. These symbols are known as kamon (家紋 meaning “family crest”), which were historically used as traditional emblems to represent families and are now commonly used as logos. You might not realize that your favorite Japanese brand is using them as its logo right now! Some crests are more widely recognized than others, but all carry a significant history beneath their beautiful designs.
What Are Kamon?
Image credit: Photo taken by the author
The kamon, also commonly known as mon (紋 meaning “crest”), are insignias of Japanese origin that serve as identifiers, commonly as emblems of families—a Western equivalent would be the European coats of arms. Nowadays, they are often used as logos for brands and government bodies.
There are about 24,000 unique kamon design variations. The most common designs are based on floral designs, followed by geometric shapes. Others resemble animals, Japanese structures, natural phenomena like clouds or snow, or even relate to symbols of Buddhism.
Why are they designed the way they are? Well, some families have literally translated their family name into their kamon; for example, the Torii clan is represented with a crest featuring a… you guessed it: a Torii gate. Other crests were created to be as simple as possible during wartime, usually with geometric shapes like diamonds and squares. However, more often than not, the designs are chosen simply because they look elegant.
History of Family Crests
Image credit: 流麗まちゅみ (Photo AC)
Kamon originated from the 8th to the 12th century during the Heian period. Aristocratic families used them as identification of which lineage they belonged to, often signifying their status. During the Kamakura period, banners decorated with crests were used by the Samurai class to recognize friends and foes easily and, at the same time, to boast their military achievements.
During the Edo period, commoners could create their surnames and, along with them, design their own family crests. However, they were not allowed a few designs, such as the kikumon (chrysanthemum flower crest) as it belonged to the imperial family. The picture above is of Yasukuni-jinja Shrine in Tokyo, where you can find this crest at its drapes and gates! With kamon proliferating in usage among ordinary people, they became commonplace by the end of the Edo period. During that time, you could almost see them anywhere—they were branded on everyday items like roof tiles, umbrellas, and kimonos.
Kamon has had an unexpected connection to women’s identity preservation. In Japanese marriages, the wife’s surname will be replaced with the husband’s, same with her family crest, in a sense losing her identity. To prevent this, onna-mon was established and became a custom since the Edo period to preserve the crest the women inherited and possibly pass on to their daughters.
Kamon in Today’s Branding
Image credit: Tom Fisk (Pexels)
A multitude of Japanese companies use kamon as their logos. Japan Airlines (JAL)’s famous red crane logo, “Tsurumaru,” is inspired by kamon and has been used since 1959. Mitsubishi’s logo is conceived of the founder’s three-diamond family crest (hence the name Mitsubishi, literally meaning three diamonds). Sogo, a Japanese department store chain, derives its logo from the Sogo crest and has stayed the same since its first kimono store in 1830. Even the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 logo is based on kamon!
Image credit: 自然 (Photo AC)
Not only companies, the Japanese government has also incorporated this traditional mark as part of their identities. The previously mentioned chrysanthemum flower crest of the imperial family is now used in Japanese passports and official documents of the Japanese Diet. Documents of the Japanese Prime Minister and the government’s executive branch use a different kamon: the Toyotomi clan’s crest, a paulownia flower with 5-7-5 leaves. The picture above is the Daigo-ji temple in Kyoto City, where you can encounter this crest at its gates!
Image credit: Canva
Preservation of Kamon in Today’s World
Beyond logos, kamon have remained primarily in ceremonial items such as traditional wedding garbs and gravestones. However, they have also found a place in modern pop culture. They have made an appearance in fashion, with artisanal clothes getting featured in Western fashion shows. Manga and anime have also played a role in reviving kamon! Series featuring Samurai or ninja, like Naruto, contribute to the influx of merchandise featuring these crests, such as kamon-themed headphones.
Image credit: 頭の巫女はアヤカ (Flickr)
Despite its ancient origins, kamon continues to leave their mark on modern Japan, encompassing things like corporate logos to government symbols and even pop culture. These crests serve as a powerful link between Japan’s rich history and its evolving future—preserving identity, heritage, and artistry for generations to come.
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- The Edo Period: Political, Economic, and Social Developments
- Japanese Tips 5: Learn Japanese By Watching Anime
- Studio Ghibli And Its Impact on Japan’s Anime Culture
Featured image credit: Toshi Yoshiwara (Photo AC)
