A BRIEF HISTORY OF KAMON

The Kamon (Japanese family crest) is a unique design or pattern used to identify an individual family or clan. The use of the kamon as a family symbol originated during the Heian period of Japan, about the 11th century. During this period, cultural arts flourished, resulting in some of the most beautiful kamon designs. The culture of the time placed the beauty of nature in high regard, thus many of the stylized motifs are based on plants, birds, animals, or water. In Japanese folklore, everything in nature has a symbolic and often superstitious meaning. It is estimated that over 6,000 different kamon exist today, all created from approximately 300 original designs.

In the beginning, the kamon was used only among the Imperial family, lords, and samurai. Nobility used Japanese family crests as symbols of identification to adorn items of personal wealth such as kimono, carriages, and castles. Possessing and displaying a kamon represented great status and power. With the coming of the feudal age and warrior class in Japan, kamon were then used on armor, weapons, uniforms, and banners to identify each clan during battle.

Traditionally, royal families and samurai passed down their kamon for generations. Samurai families usually had one kamon, but occasionally, high-ranking samurai were awarded the crest of their lord for great feats of heroism and achievement on the battlefield. These acts of gallantry often led to the exclusive use of the lord’s kamon and the abandonment of the family crest previously worn by the samurai. A kamon awarded in this manner brought great honor, pride and distinction to the family.

As the age of the samurai came to an end, restrictions on the use of kamon became more relaxed; courtesans, kabuki actors, and wealthy merchants often adopted kamon resembling those of royalty and upper class families. After the abolishment of the class system, the number of kamon grew significantly evolving into more elaborate designs, most of which were variations of the original 300. In time, the importance and status of the kamon began to dwindle, as commoners and farmers were allowed to adopt and create their own crests. It became increasingly common to see kamon styled with motifs representing individual family businesses.

Interestingly, books of kamon designs were now being published so anyone could select a crest and have it woven into a family kimono. As times changed and western clothing became fashionable, the tradition of kamon on clothing no longer had its place and its popularity faded. Today, kamon are still being used, but their importance in daily life has diminished. Japanese family crests are still being utilized as logos for businesses and are displayed at formal occasions (funerals, weddings, special birthdays or ceremonies). As Japanese-Americans, it is important that we continue the kamon tradition, keeping us connected to our roots in Japan.