Kamon Crest 家紋
Kamon, also referred to Mon, or Monsho, Mondokoro is a crest used in Japan to indicate one's origins; that is, one's family lineage, bloodline, ancestry and status from ancient times. It is said that there are more than 20,000 distinct individual Kamon in Japan.
The origin of Kamon goes far back to the latter part of Heian Period (794 - 1185AD). Kuge (nobility) began placing their own Mon on their oxcarts and walked around Streets, showing off their Mon. It seems that in the middle of Kamakura Period (1185 - 1333 AD) almost all samurai displayed Kamon and this became an established custom among samurai class. Each clan had a family crest of its own and these crests were widely displayed on everything from war flags, armors, helmets, swords, banners, to curtains in the battlefield to show off their military achievements, or to distinguish friend from foe.
During the peaceful, tranquil, rather uneventful Edo Period (1603 - 1868), the former practical role of Kamon had changed from Samurai Army Standard to Common Emblem. Japan was a hierarchical society of samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants during the Edo period, and Kamon were used as a means of indicating the social status of your family to others and ascertaining the social standing and lineage of others, enabling you and your family to dress accordingly. In addition, Kamon were possessed and used by common people as well. This was in stark contrast to European countries, where only aristocrats could use a crest. Farmers, tradesmen, craftsmen, and even entertainers like Rakugo story tellers, actors, and Yujo (prostitute) used Kamon.
Virtually all modern Japanese families have their own Kamon crest, and you can still find them everywhere. Kamon are seen widely in stores and shops engaged in traditional crafts and specialties. They are favored by sushi restaurants, which often incorporate a Kamon into their logos. Kamon designs frequently decorate sake, tofu and other packaging for food products to add an air of elegance, refinement and tradition. The paulownia Kamon appears on the obverse side of the 500 yen coin, and Imperial Kamon (chrysanthemum) appears on Japanese Passport. The Mitsubishi company logo is originated from Kamon, which we can say is the most famous crest in the world.
I remember my family crest was #118 above, or #119 - 3 pine tree branches. Middle branch is sticking either to the left or right. There was a big kamon displayed in a nice wooden frame on the wall in the living room, and I remember my dad was very proud of it. We even had kamon on the ceramic roof tiles. I have been to a house that had kamon even on the sidelines of the tatami mat flooring. Good memories:)
