What is a Kamon? - The Japanese family crests on kimon and haori -
- by MaedaYumiko
- 3 min reading time
Do you know what the small symbols on a kimono or haori mean?
Many of them tell a story that is almost 900 years old.
In Japan, virtually every family owns a kamon , which is passed down through generations.
I have one too.
There are approximately 5,000 basic Kamon types .
If you include variations such as different lines, arrangements, or minor design changes,
It is estimated that there are between 20,000 and 30,000 different Kamon.
When I first held a book about Kamon in my hands, I was surprised by how diverse this world is.
I particularly remember a kamon with a radish motif – unusual, bold and surprisingly modern.
It is often assumed that Kamon is directly related to the surname.
That is actually not the case.
Kamon families often existed long before family names were officially established.
Therefore, it is perfectly normal for people with the same last name to have different Kamon.
The origins of Kamon date back to the late Heian period (approx. 1100–1185).
Nobles and court aristocrats used them to mark their possessions –
such as carriages, furniture, or everyday objects.
Many early Kamon paintings feature plant motifs such as paulownia, wisteria, or chrysanthemum –
Motifs that can still be found in kimono textiles today.
During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), Kamon became an important symbol of the Samurai.
On armor and banners, they helped to distinguish friend from foe on the battlefield.
During this time, Kamon spread widely.
Later, during the Muromachi period (1336–1573) and the Sengoku period (c. 1467–1603),
Through family branches and followers, new variations of existing Kamon constantly arose.
Thus, the diversity grew steadily.
With the beginning of the Edo period (1603–1868), the meaning of the kamon shifted from war to everyday life.
They appeared on clothing, shop curtains, lanterns and cloths –
as a sign of identity and pride.
Family names, on the other hand, were not officially permitted for the general population for a long time.
It was only in the Meiji period (1868–1912) that it became permitted for all people –
and finally required – to have a surname.
This explains why Kamon and surnames can belong together,
but they are not the same.
Chrysanthemum and paulownia kaman are particularly common in antique kimonos.
For centuries, these were considered symbols of authority, dignity, and high status.
Later, they were used as elegant designs for formal kimonos,
for example at weddings or ceremonies.
Since such garments were rarely worn,
Many of them were preserved in very good condition –
and are so present today as antique kimonos.
The number of kamon on a kimon or haori also plays a role:
A kamon is considered simple,
three as formal,
five as most solemn.
Today, however, kamon are increasingly valued as graphic, timeless design elements –
regardless of origin or tradition.
By the way:
My own kamon is an umebachi , a stylized plum blossom.
Knowing this background,
Choosing a kimono or haori becomes something very special.