Like the coat of arms in Europe, in Japan we also have symbols passed down by individual families. These are the “Kamon.” Coats of arms and Kamon look similar but their origins and meanings differ. Japan's Kamon have historically been used in a variety of ways. Far from being obsolete as an ancient tradition, we have seen a new spread in the use of Kamon, with them even appearing in contemporary styles on displays of goods.

In Europe the coat of arms identifies an individual, while in Japan the Kamon represents a house

    It is said that the coat of arms started in medieval Europe (5th - 15th centuries) when mounted, armed knights cloaked in armor had difficulty distinguishing between friend and foe in battle, so they attached symbols to their armor and shields that could be recognized at a glance. Coats of arms were bestowed upon knights and, as such, they were an expression of the "individual" owned only by royalty and the nobility. This gave them great significance as a symbol of power and control. Also, as a symbol that identified an individual, it was forbidden to create another coat of arms of exactly the same design. For example even today in the UK, the public office of the College of Arms still applies strict criteria in its management of coats of arms.

    As the coat of arms represents an individual, even the holder's parents and siblings use different symbols on the shield, while in Japan the Kamon represents the "house" and the "family." So the whole family, not just parents and siblings, use the same Kamon.
    There are various opinions as to the reason that Kamon were created in Japan, but the predominant one is that noble families started to use them at the end of the Heian Period (794 - 1185) when Japan was governed by the nobility - primarily the Emperor. Noble families attached Kamon to their belongings as identifying symbols and tried to make their own beautiful decoration look appealing. That is why a lot of Kamon use designs that include flowers and plants etc.

    After the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) when Japan was ruled by the Shogun - who was the military commander with the highest authority among the samurai - most of the warlords across Japan started to have their own Kamon. Compared to the graceful design of the nobility's Kamon, those of the samurai clans were designed as practical symbols to be put on flags, helmets and armor so that they could be seen at a glance in battle. As the purpose of the Kamon for samurai clans was identification on the battlefield, simple geometric designs were devised that allowed them to tell the difference between one clan and another at a glance. This resulted in numerous Kamon being created during wartime.

Also used by commoners instead of surnames

    During the Edo Period (1603-1868), which was a time of peace despite ruled by the Shogun, Kamon also became popular amongst the common people. At that time only the nobility and samurai clans had surnames, so Kamon were often used to indicate one's "house" instead of a surname. Unlike the samurai clans, commoners did not need to consider the difference between friend and foe and were free to make their Kamon from their own favorite designs.
    With the end of shogunate rule, Japan began to be governed by politicians in the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and commoners were then also allowed to use surnames. This led to the further spread of Kamon and most Japanese people came to have one.
    There are said to be more than 2,500 types of Kamon that were created as symbols to identify common households. The most frequently used motifs are plants, particularly paulownia, ivy, plum blossom, wisteria and chrysanthemum. Also very common as motifs on Kamon are wells which were traditionally essential in everyday life and animals like the crane.

    In addition to plants and animals there are a wide range of design-types including natural phenomena such as lightening bolts and the moon; motifs of accouterments like bells and fans; designs associated with the Shinto and Buddhist faiths, and military implements associated with prayers for victory.

Kamon are increasingly being used with a sense of fun

    Kamon have been used in a variety of ways. For example crests were put onto everyday items such as kawara (clay roofing tiles) used on Japanese houses; kimono (traditional dress) and furniture; as well as crockery and umbrellas. However as our living habits have become more westernized, the culture of incorporating Kamon into everyday life has gradually been declining. In modern times they have mainly been used on ceremonial occasions for wedding attire, or on gravestones etc.

    Long ago, in an era when many people could not read, Kamon were useful as an icon of the family, valued for their aesthetic appeal, and used for identification on the battlefield; however in modern times there are no such pressing reasons for their requirement.
    Recently the impact of manga, anime and computer games etc., that depict erstwhile warriors from the Warring States Era (c.1467-1568) has led many people to collect merchandise designed with the Kamon of patron warlords. This phenomena has spread to a variety of products such as headphones, nail stickers and biscuits etc.
    These days the Kamon has gone beyond the concept of the "clan" and is enjoyed as a design.
    Maybe this is the new style for traditional culture.

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