Japanese family crests known as kamon were first used by the aristocracy over a thousand years ago, but over time they were adopted by samurai, merchants, and many others. Today, there are thought to ...

Genabao Fort is a modest yet sprawling castle in Mount Uchinakao, the huge northeastern sub-region of the Wakasa province. It's directly west of the Outer Genbao Fort Kakurega, and east-northeast of ...

Sakamoto Castle is located in the titular city on the western bank of Lake Biwa, the big lake in the middle of the Omi province. This castle is unique for having a Kamon Crest, a Samurai Daisho in the ...

A publication from the Edo period shows directions on how to draw family crests, as seen in this photo from the National Diet Library Digital Collections. 'Monsho uwae-shi' craftsman Shoryu Hatoba is ...

Japanese family crests (or "kamon"), have been passed down through the generations for centuries, although these days they’re mostly seen in the patterns of kimono or the logos of sushi restaurants, ...

“Family Crests of Japan,” is a comprehensive presentation on a subject that reveals much about Japanese values, but few people give much thought to. Both a guide and art catalog, the book helpfully ...