Clan symbols ‘Kamon’ in Japan reflects history, culture

May 22, 2021

Tokyo (Japan), May 21 (ANI): The term `Kamon’ refers to a crest used in Japan for centuries to indicate one's origins. They take inspiration from a plant or geometric shape. In the Samurai era, `Kamon’ was used to distinguish between friends and enemies during battle. It gradually became a cultural component that preserves the history of Japanese families and expresses their ancient roots. The samurai armour and their fearsome helmet invoked fear in the heart of their enemy, but they also concealed their face, so it made easier for them to distinguish between friend and enemy during the battle. Thus, since the tenth century in Japan, the use of family crest that distinguishes the prince and samurai family, known in Japanese as "Kamon", emblem on the helmet, shield, sword, and even personal items was used. It was also painted during the battles on the war flag, known as `hata’. During the Edo period, the use of Kamon spread among the commoners as well. In Japan, about fifty thousand of these kamons can still be spotted in an old district in Tokyo. However, they no longer refer to family of a prince or a warrior, but rather to the owner of a restaurant or shop. Kamon design is usually inspired by geometric shape or a plant that is known to rapidly grow and spread, indicating the power and strength of the family and optimism for their expansion and survival for long generations. Many families are keen to weave Kamon on traditional clothe worn on important occasions. Kamon is a symbol that represents the deep roots of the Japanese family, and tells part of its history. That is why many Japanese people consider it an important component of their culture, and are keen to continue using it.