View source for Mon (emblem)

{{short description|Japanese emblems}}
{{Italic title}}
{{more citations needed|date=November 2022}}
[[File:Goshichi no kiri inverted.svg|thumb|upright=0.8|The {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of the [[Toyotomi clan]], now used as the [[Government crest of Japan|emblem of the Japanese Government]]; originally an emblem of the [[Imperial House of Japan|imperial family]]—a stylized [[paulownia]].]]
{{nihongo||紋, {{IPA|ja|mõ̞ꜜɴ|}}|'''Mon'''}}, also called {{nihongo||紋章|'''monshō'''}}, {{nihongo||紋所|'''mondokoro'''}}, and {{nihongo||家紋|'''kamon'''}}, are [[Japan|Japanese]] [[emblem]]s used to decorate and identify an individual, a family, or (more recently) an institution, municipality or business entity. While {{transliteration|ja|mon}} is an encompassing term that may refer to any such device, {{transliteration|ja|kamon}} and {{transliteration|ja|mondokoro}} refer specifically to emblems that are used to identify a family. An authoritative {{transliteration|ja|mon}} reference compiles Japan's 241 general categories of {{transliteration|ja|mon}} based on structural resemblance (a single {{transliteration|ja|mon}} may belong to multiple categories), with 5,116 distinct individual {{transliteration|ja|mon}}.

It is well acknowledged that there are a number of lost or obscure {{transliteration|ja|mon}}.<ref>日本の家紋大全 梧桐書院 {{ISBN|434003102X}}</ref><ref>Some 6939 ''mon'' are [https://x181.secure.ne.jp/~x181007/kamon/goodslist.cgi listed here] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028043638/http://x181.secure.ne.jp/~x181007/kamon/goodslist.cgi |date=2016-10-28}}.</ref> Among {{transliteration|ja|mon}}, the {{transliteration|ja|mon}} officially used by the family is called {{nihongo3||定紋|jōmon}}. Over time, new {{transliteration|ja|mon}} have been created, such as {{nihongo3||替紋|kaemon}}, which is unofficially created by an individual, and {{nihongo3||女紋|onnamon}}, which is created by a woman after marriage by modifying part of her original family's {{transliteration|ja|mon}}, so that by 2023 there will be a total of 20,000 to 25,000 {{transliteration|ja|mon}}.<ref name="nippone"/>

The devices are similar to the [[Heraldic badge|badges]] and [[Coat of arms|coats of arms]] in European [[Heraldry|heraldic]] tradition, which likewise are used to identify individuals and families. {{transliteration|ja|Mon}} are often referred to as [[Crest (heraldry)|crests]] in Western literature, the crest being a European heraldic device similar to the {{transliteration|ja|mon}} in function. Japanese {{transliteration|ja|mon}} influenced [[Louis Vuitton]]'s monogram designs through [[Japonisme]] in Europe in the late 1800s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/articles/exhibition-in-tokyo-japan-room|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220162151/http://eu.louisvuitton.com/eng-e1/articles/exhibition-in-tokyo-japan-room|title=News By Louis Vuitton: EXHIBITION IN TOKYO: INSPIRATIONAL JAPAN|publisher=[[Louis Vuitton]]|date=13 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|access-date=17 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/travel/louis-vuitton-tokyo-exhibition-volez-voguez-voyagez|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713010351/https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/travel/louis-vuitton-tokyo-exhibition-volez-voguez-voyagez|title=Orient Express: A Journey Through Tokyo with Louis Vuitton's Travel Exhibition|publisher=[[Tatler]]|date=16 May 2016|archive-date=13 July 2023|access-date=17 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/43260|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317142249/https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/43260|title=Japan and Louis Vuitton – The "Volez, Voguez, Voyagez – Louis Vuitton" Exhibition|publisher=[[Waseda University]]|date=14 July 2016|archive-date=17 March 2024|access-date=17 March 2024}}</ref>

==History==
{{transliteration|ja|Mon}} originated in the mid-[[Heian period]] ({{c.|900–1000}}) as a way to identify individuals and families among the nobility. They had a pecking order, and when {{nihongo3|[[bullock cart]]|牛車|gissha}} passed each other on the road, the one with the lower status had to give way, and the {{transliteration|ja|mon}} was painted on the {{transliteration|ja|gissha}}. The {{transliteration|ja|[[Heiji Monogatari Emaki]]}}, an {{nihongo3|picture scroll|絵巻物|[[emakimono]]}} depicting the [[Heiji rebellion]], shows {{transliteration|ja|mon}} painted on {{transliteration|ja|gissha}}. Gradually, the nobility began to use {{transliteration|ja|mon}} on their own costumes, and the [[samurai]] class that emerged in the late Heian period and came to power in the [[Kamakura period]] (1185–1333) also began to use {{transliteration|ja|mon}}.<ref name="nippone">{{cite web|url=https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h01578/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420034414/https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h01578/|title="Kamon": Japan's Family Crests|publisher=nippon.com|date=10 February 2023|archive-date=20 April 2023|access-date=29 April 2023}}</ref><ref name="nipponj">{{cite web|url=https://www.nippon.com/ja/japan-data/h01578/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130070943/https://www.nippon.com/ja/japan-data/h01578/|script-title=ja:家紋: 庶民の家にまで普及した紋章|language=ja|publisher=nippon.com|date=10 January 2023|archive-date=30 January 2023|access-date=29 April 2023}}</ref> By the 12th century, sources give a clear indication that heraldry had been implemented as a distinguishing feature, especially for use in battle. It is seen on flags, tents, and equipment. On the battlefield, {{transliteration|ja|mon}} served as army [[Heraldic flag|standard]]s, even though this usage was not universal and uniquely designed army standards were just as common as {{transliteration|ja|mon}}-based standards (cf. {{transliteration|ja|[[sashimono]]}}, {{transliteration|ja|[[uma-jirushi]]}}).{{Wide image|Heiji Monogatari Emaki - Sanjo scroll part 2.jpg|950|A scene from the {{transliteration|ja|[[Heiji Monogatari Emaki]]}} showing several {{nihongo3|[[bullock cart]]|牛車|gissha}} with {{transliteration|ja|mon}} fleeing a battle; the {{transliteration|ja|mon}} with nine circles is called {{transliteration|ja|kuyō-mon}}, representing the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and two imaginary stars, and was believed to ward off evil. The {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of cranes represented good fortune, longevity, and prosperity of the descendants}}Gradually, {{transliteration|ja|mon}} spread to the lower classes, and in the [[Muromachi period]] (1336–1573), merchants painted emblems on their shop signs, which became {{transliteration|ja|mon}}. In the [[Edo period]] (1603–1867), [[kabuki]] actors used {{transliteration|ja|mon}}, and the general public was allowed to choose and use their favorite {{transliteration|ja|mon}}. By the [[Genroku|Genroku period]] (1680–1709) in the early Edo period, the use of {{transliteration|ja|mon}} was fully established among the general public. However, the use of the [[chrysanthemum]] {{transliteration|ja|mon}} used by the imperial family and the [[hollyhock]] {{transliteration|ja|mon}} used by the [[Tokugawa clan]] ([[Tokugawa shogunate]]) was prohibited.<ref name="nippone" /><ref name="nipponj" /> {{transliteration|ja|Mon}} were also adapted by various organizations, such as merchant and artisan [[guild]]s, temples and shrines, theater troupes and even criminal gangs. In an illiterate society, they served as useful symbols for recognition.
{{Gallery
|align=center
|width=180
|height=180
|File:Retrato de Ichikawa Yaozo III, Utagawa Kunimasa.jpg| The {{transliteration|ja|mon}} on the right sleeve of the [[kimono]] of [[Kabuki]] actor Ichikawa Yaozo III, dressed as Umeōmaru. The [[kanji]] {{lang|ja|八}}, meaning 'eight', is written within the triple square. [[Ukiyo-e]] ([[woodblock printing in Japan|woodblock print]]) by [[Utagawa Kunimasa]], 1796.
|File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg|The [[imperial crest of Japan]]—a stylized [[chrysanthemum]] blossom
|File:Mitsubaaoi.svg|The {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of the [[Tokugawa shogunate]], three [[hollyhock]] leaves inside a circle
}}

Japanese traditional [[formal attire]] generally displays the {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of the wearer. Commoners without {{transliteration|ja|mon}} often used those of their patron or the organization they belonged to. In cases when none of those were available, they sometimes used one of the few {{transliteration|ja|mon}} which were seen as "vulgar", or invented or adapted whatever {{transliteration|ja|mon}} they wished, passing it on to their descendants. It was not uncommon for shops, and therefore shop-owners, to develop {{transliteration|ja|mon}} to identify themselves.

Occasionally, patron clans granted the use of their {{transliteration|ja|mon}} to their [[retainer (medieval)|retainers]] as a reward. Similar to the granting of the patron's surnames, this was considered a very high honor. Alternatively, the patron clan may have added elements of its {{transliteration|ja|mon}} to that of its retainer, or chosen an entirely different {{transliteration|ja|mon}} for them.
{{-}}

==Design==
[[File:Gourd-Shaped Sake Bottle with Aoi Crests.jpg|thumb|upright|{{transliteration|ja|[[Maki-e]] [[sake]]}} bottle with [[Tokugawa clan]]'s {{transliteration|ja|mon}}, 18th century, [[Edo period]]]]
[[File:kamon himeji.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Various {{transliteration|ja|kamon}} on display at [[Himeji Castle]]]]
{{transliteration|ja|Mon}} motifs can be broadly classified into five categories: animals, plants, nature, buildings and vehicles, and tools and patterns, each with its own meaning. The most common animal motifs are the [[Crane (bird)|crane]] and the [[turtle]], which, according to tradition, were symbols of longevity and were used to wish the family a long and prosperous life. Plant {{transliteration|ja|mon}} were symbols of wealth and elegance, so they were often used to wish for the improvement of the family's social status and economic power, and motifs such as [[wisteria]] and [[paulownia]] were often used. {{transliteration|ja|Mon}} depicting buildings, vehicles, or tools often indicated occupation or status. For example, a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} with a {{transliteration|ja|[[torii]]}} gate indicated a family associated with [[Shinto]], a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} with a {{transliteration|ja|gissha}} wheel indicated nobility, and a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} with a [[crowbar]] indicated a family associated with construction. The {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of nature was a symbol of respect for nature and prayers for a good harvest, and motifs such as the moon, mountains, and thunder were used.<ref name="nippone"/><ref name="nipponj"/>

The most commonly used {{transliteration|ja|mon}} motifs are [[wisteria]], [[paulownia]], [[hawk]] feathers, [[Chaenomeles|flowering quince]], and [[Oxalis corniculata|creeping woodsorrel]], which are called the {{nihongo3|five major {{transliteration|ja|mon}}|五大紋|godaimon}}. However, according to a dictionary of {{transliteration|ja|mon}} published by [[Shogakukan]], [[oak]] is listed instead of paulownia.<ref name="nippone"/> There are more than 150 types of wisteria {{transliteration|ja|mon}}, and their use by the [[Fujiwara clan]] led to their popularization.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://irohakamon.com/kamon/fuji/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212111436/https://irohakamon.com/kamon/fuji/|script-title=ja:藤紋（ふじ）について|language=ja|publisher=Kamon no iroha|archive-date=12 February 2023|access-date=29 April 2023}}</ref>

Similar to the [[blazon]] in European heraldry, {{transliteration|ja|mon}} are also named by the content of the design, even though there is no set rule for such names. Unlike in European heraldry, however, this "blazon" is not prescriptive—the depiction of a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} does not follow the name—instead the names only serve to describe the {{transliteration|ja|mon}}. The pictorial depictions of the {{transliteration|ja|mon}} are not formalized and small variations of what is supposed to be the same {{transliteration|ja|mon}} can sometimes be seen, but the designs are for the most part standardized through time and tradition.

The degree of variation tolerated differ from {{transliteration|ja|mon}} to {{transliteration|ja|mon}} as well. For example, the paulownia crest with 5-7-5 leaves is reserved for the prime minister, whereas paulownia with fewer leaves could be used by anyone. The imperial chrysanthemum also specifies 16 petals, whereas chrysanthemum with fewer petals are used by other lesser imperial family members.

Japanese heraldry does not have a [[cadency]] or quartering system, but it is not uncommon for [[cadet branch]]es of a family to choose a slightly different {{transliteration|ja|mon}} from the senior branch. Each princely family ({{transliteration|ja|[[shinnōke]]}}), for example, uses a modified chrysanthemum crest as their {{transliteration|ja|mon}}. {{transliteration|ja|Mon}} holders may also combine their {{transliteration|ja|mon}} with that of their patron, benefactor or spouse, sometimes creating increasingly complicated designs.

{{transliteration|ja|Mon}} are essentially monochrome; the color does not constitute part of the design and they may be drawn in any color.

==Modern usage==
[[File:Mitsubishi logo.svg|thumb|upright=0.8|Logo of [[Mitsubishi]] ("three diamonds" ([[Rhombus|rhombuses]]), in the form of a {{transliteration|ja|mon}}]]

Virtually all modern Japanese families have a {{transliteration|ja|mon}}, but unlike before the [[Meiji Restoration]] when rigid social divisions existed, {{transliteration|ja|mon}} play a more specialized role in everyday life. On occasions when the use of a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} is required, one can try to look up their families in the temple registries of their ancestral hometown or consult one of the many genealogical publications available. Many websites also offer {{transliteration|ja|mon}} lookup services. Professional [[wedding planner]]s, [[undertaker]]s and other "ritual masters" may also offer guidance on finding the proper {{transliteration|ja|mon}}.

{{transliteration|ja|Mon}} are seen widely on stores and shops engaged in traditional crafts and specialties. They are favored by [[sushi]] restaurants, which often incorporate a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} into their logos. {{transliteration|ja|Mon}} designs can even be seen on the [[ceramic]] roof tiles of older houses. {{transliteration|ja|Mon}} designs frequently decorate {{transliteration|ja|[[senbei]]}}, {{transliteration|ja|[[sake]]}}, [[tofu]] and other [[packaging]] for food products to lend them an air of elegance, refinement and tradition. The [[paulownia]] {{transliteration|ja|mon}} appears on the obverse side of the [[500 yen coin]].

Items symbolizing family crafts, arts or professions were often chosen as a {{transliteration|ja|mon}}; likewise, {{transliteration|ja|mon}} were, and still are, also passed down a lineage of artists. [[Geisha]] typically wear the {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of their {{transliteration|ja|[[okiya]]}} (geisha house) on their clothing when working; individual geisha districts, known as {{transliteration|ja|[[hanamachi]]}}, also have their own distinctive {{transliteration|ja|mon}}, such as the plover crest ({{transliteration|ja|chidori}}) of [[Ponto-chō]] in [[Kyoto]].

A woman may still wear her maiden {{transliteration|ja|mon}} if she wishes and pass it on to her daughters; she does not have to adopt her husband's or father's {{transliteration|ja|mon}}. Flowers, trees, plants and birds are also common elements of {{transliteration|ja|mon}} designs.<ref name=JapanSociety>{{cite web |last=Nakano |first=Mas |title=Family Crests - Mon |url=http://www.japan-society.org/?nav1=section&secid=5&subsecid=67&articleid=19 |work=Japan-Society.org |publisher=Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana |access-date=4 June 2013 |archive-date=23 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223003513/http://www.japan-society.org/?nav1=section&secid=5&subsecid=67&articleid=19 |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{transliteration|ja|Mon}} also add formality to a [[kimono#Types of kimono|kimono]]. A kimono may have one, three or five {{transliteration|ja|mon}}. The {{transliteration|ja|mon}} themselves can be either formal or informal, depending on the formality of the kimono, with formality ranging from the most formal 'full sun' ({{transliteration|ja|hinata}}) crests to the least formal 'shadow' ({{transliteration|ja|kage}}) crests. Very formal kimono display more {{transliteration|ja|mon}}, frequently in a manner that makes them more conspicuous; the most formal kimono display {{transliteration|ja|mon}} on both sides of the chest, on the back of each sleeve, and in the middle of the back. On the armor of a warrior, it might be found on the {{transliteration|ja|[[kabuto]]}} (helmet), on the {{transliteration|ja|do}} (breast plate), and on flags and various other places. {{transliteration|ja|Mon}} also adorned coffers, tents, fans and other items of importance.

As in the past, modern {{transliteration|ja|mon}} are not regulated by law, with the exception of the [[Imperial crest of Japan|imperial chrysanthemum crest]], which doubles as the national emblem, and the paulownia, which is the mon of the office of [[prime minister]] and also serves as the emblem of the [[Cabinet (government)|cabinet]] and government (see [[national emblems of Japan]] for further information). Some local governments and associations may use a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} as their logo or [[trademark]], thus enjoying its traditional protection, but otherwise {{transliteration|ja|mon}} are not recognized by law. One of the best known examples of a {{transliteration|ja|mon}} serving as a corporate logo is that of [[Mitsubishi]], a name meaning 'three lozenges' (occasionally translated as 'three [[water caltrop|buffalo nuts]]'), which are represented as rhombuses.<ref>[http://www.mitsubishi.com/e/group/mark.html "The Mitsubishi Mark"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506192121/http://www.mitsubishi.com/e/group/mark.html |date=2019-05-06 }}. ''Mitsubishi.com.'' 2008. Accessed 10 August 2008.</ref> Another example of corporate use is the logo for the famous [[soy sauce]] maker [[Kikkoman]], which uses the family {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of the founder,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://qrysta.com/my_familys_kamon_and_history |title=My family's kamon and history |access-date=2010-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121214184449/http://qrysta.com/my_familys_kamon_and_history |archive-date=2012-12-14 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and finally, the logo of music instrument/equipment and motorcycle builder [[Yamaha Corporation|Yamaha]], which shows three [[tuning forks]] interlocked into the shape of a capital 'Y' in reference to both their name and the origin of the company.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.yamaha.com/ |title=Yamaha's logo |access-date=2014-11-19 |archive-date=2011-06-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628221528/http://yamaha.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==In Western heraldry==
Japanese {{transliteration|ja|mon}} are sometimes used as [[Charge (heraldry)|charges]] or [[Crest (heraldry)|crests]] in Western [[heraldry]]. They are blazoned in traditional heraldic style rather than in the Japanese style. Examples include the swastika with arrows used by Japanese ambassador [[Hasekura Tsunenaga]], the Canadian-granted arms of the Japanese-Canadian politician [[David Tsubouchi]],<ref name="Tsubouchi">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gg.ca/en/heraldry/public-register/project/1678 |title=David Hiroshi Tsubouchi, Public Register of Arms, Flags, and Badges of Canada |access-date=2022-03-12 |archive-date=2022-03-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312204925/https://www.gg.ca/en/heraldry/public-register/project/1678 |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Akihito]]'s arms as a [[Order of the Garter|Knight of the Garter]].<ref>[http://www.numericana.com/arms/akihito.htm Coat of arms of Heisi Tenno] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220110117/http://www.numericana.com/arms/akihito.htm |date=2018-12-20 }}, numericana</ref>
{{Gallery
|align=center
|width=180
|height=150
|File:HasekuraBlason.jpg|The swastika with arrows used by the 17th-century Japanese ambassador [[Hasekura Tsunenaga]]
|File:Coat of Arms of Japanese Emperor (Knight of the Garter Variant).svg|Western arms of [[Akihito]] as a Knight of the Garter, using his {{transliteration|ja|mon}} as both a [[Charge (heraldry)|charge]] and a [[Crest (heraldry)|crest]]
}}

==Gallery of representative {{transliteration|ja|kamon}} by theme==

=== Imperial mons ===
<gallery>
File:Imperial Seal of Japan.svg|Imperial crest of Japan & mon of the [[Emperor of Japan|Emperor]]
File:Japanese Crest of Akisino no miya.svg|Mon of the [[Crown Prince Akihito|Akisino]] branch of the [[Imperial House of Japan|Imperial House]]
File:Japanese Crest of Hitachi no miya.svg|Mon of the [[Prince Hitachi|Hitachi]] branch of the Imperial House
File:Emblem of Nobuhito, Prince Takamatsu.png|Mon of the [[Nobuhito, Prince Takamatsu|Takamatsu]] branch of the Imperial House
File:Japanese Crest of Mikasa no miya.svg|Mon of the [[Prince Mikasa|Mikasa]] branch of the Imperial House
File:Japanese Crest of Takamado no miya.svg|Mon of the [[Norihito, Prince Takamado|Takamado]] branch of the Imperial House
File:Jūroku-yō Ura-giku inverted.png|Mon of the [[Fushimi-no-miya|Fushimi]] cadet branch of the Imperial House
File:Katsura no miya.jpg|Mon of the [[Katsura-no-miya|Hachijō]] cadet branch of the Imperial House
File:Arisugawa no miya.png|Mon of the [[Arisugawa-no-miya|Takahito]] cadet branch of the Imperial House
File:閑院宮紋章.png|Mon of the [[Prince Kan'in Kotohito|Kaninnomiya]] cadet branch of the Imperial House 
</gallery>

===Animal motif===
<gallery>
File:Tsuru_no_Maru_inverted_A.png|Crane crest of the [[Mori (Genji clan)|Mori clan]] (similar to [[Japan Airlines]])
File:Sanba_Tobi_zuru_inverted.svg|Triple crane crest
File:Azai shi.PNG|Flowers in a turtle's shell
File:家紋・丸に違い鷹の羽-maruni-chigai-takanoha.gif|{{transliteration|ja|Maruni chigai takanoha}}, the crossing pair of hawk feathers in circle
File:Ageha inverted.png|{{transliteration|ja|Agehanochō}}, the [[swallowtail butterfly]] crest of the [[Taira clan]]
File:Yatagarasu A.svg|Mythical [[three-legged crow]] {{transliteration|ja|yatagarasu}}
File:Itsutsu_Chidori_inverted.jpg|Quintuple {{transliteration|ja|[[Plover|chidori]]}} bird crest
File:Kotobuki_Ebi_inverted.png|{{transliteration|ja|Kotobuki ebi}} lobster emblem 
</gallery>

===Floral motif===
<gallery>
File:Sagari Fuji (No background and Black color drawing).svg|{{transliteration|ja|Sagari fuji}} ([[Wisteria]])
File:抱き茗荷-dakimyouga.gif|{{transliteration|ja|Daki [[Myoga|myōga]]}} (Japanese ginger)
File:Sasa rindo.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Sasarindō}}, the [[bamboo]] leaves and [[gentian]] flowers crest of the [[Minamoto clan]]
File:Sumikiri hana01.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Sumikirikakuni hanakaku}}
File:Tachi omodaka.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Tachi omodaka}} or upright threeleaf arrowhead (''[[sagittaria trifolia]]'')
File:家紋・丸に左三階松-Maruni-hidari-sankaimatsu.gif|Triple pine tree ({{transliteration|ja|maruni hidari sangaimatsu}}) of the Hira clan, member of [[Heike clan|Taira clan (Heike)]] 
File:3tachibana 001.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Mitsugumi tachibana}} (triple [[mandarin orange]])
File:Family crest hanawachigai.png|{{transliteration|ja|Hana wachigai}}, the device of the [[Sasaki Yoshikiyo#His family .28Izumo Genji clan.29|Izumo Genji clans]] (Oki, Enya, [[Takaoka Muneyasu|Takaoka]])
File:Yotsubishi.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Yotsu hanabishi}}, the emblem of the [[Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu|Yanagisawa clan]], [[Matsumoto Kōshirō|Matsumoto family]] of [[kabuki]] actors
File:Take_ni_Suzume.svg|Sparrows and bamboo ({{transliteration|ja|take ni suzume}}) of the [[Date clan]]
</gallery>

===Nature motifs===
<gallery>
File:Yatsuhiashi (No background and Black color drawing).svg|{{transliteration|ja|Yatsuashi hiashi mon}} of the [[Kikuchi clan]] (eight sun-rays)
File:家紋・九曜-kuyo.gif|{{transliteration|ja|Kuyō mon}}, representing the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and two imaginary stars
File:Japanese crest Tsuki ni Hoshi(Black background).svg|{{transliteration|ja|Tsuki ni hoshi}} (moon and star)
File:Kokumochiji Nuki Hidari Mitsudomoe.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Kokumochiji-nuki Hidari-[[mitsudomoe]]}} (thunderbolt)
</gallery>

===Tool and pattern motif===
<gallery>
File:Chigai kuginuki.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Chigai kuginuki}} ([[Crowbar (tool)|crowbar]]), the crest of former Prime Minister [[Tarō Asō]]
File:Suzugohei.gif|{{transliteration|ja|Suzugohei}} (Bells and {{transliteration|ja|[[gohei]]}} used in [[Shinto]] rituals)
File:Japanese Crest rokumonsen.svg|[[:ja:六道銭|6 coin]] crest of [[Sanada clan]]
File:Japanese Crest Hinomaru Oogi.svg|{{transliteration|ja|[[Hinomaru]]}}-emblazoned [[hand fan]] representing Japan, crest of Satake clan
File:Japanese_crest_Tou_Uchiwa.svg|[[Tang dynasty]]-style hand fan crest
File:Gion Mamori Inverted.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Gion mamori}} shield motif. The motif is an amulet distributed by [[Yasaka Shrine]] to worship [[Gozu Tennō]].
File:Nakagawake kurusu.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Nakagawake kurusu}} ({{ill|the cross of Nakagawa clan|ja|中川家}}). The official {{transliteration|ja|mon}} of the Nakagawa clan is the oak, but this is another {{transliteration|ja|mon}}. It is hypothesized that it is patterned after the Christian cross.
File:Mitsu_Zaru_inverted.png|Three cooking pot hooks
File:家紋・丸に隅立て四つ目.gif|{{transliteration|ja|Maruni sumitate yotsumei}}, circle and four eyelets on the edge of the [[Uda Genji]]
File:Yamabishi.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Yamabishi}}, the crest of the [[Yamaguchi-gumi]] [[yakuza]] clan. The motif is based on the [[kanji]] for {{nihongo3|mountain|山|yama}}.
File:Japanese Crest Maru ni Hidari Mannji.svg|[[Swastika]], or [[wikt:卍|manji]] emblem of the [[Hachisuka clan]]
File:Japanese Crest mitu Uroko.svg|{{transliteration|ja|Mitsu uroko}}, or crest of the [[Hōjō clan]]
</gallery>

=== Building and vehicle motifs ===
<gallery>
File:Japanese crest Torii.svg|[[Torii]] of [[Shinto shrine]]
File:Japanese_Crest_Gennji_kuruma.svg|{{nihongo3|[[bullock cart]]||Gissha}} wheel motif of the [[Genji clan]]
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[Coat of arms]]
*[[Japanese rebus monogram]]
*[[List of Japanese flags]]
*[[National emblems of Japan]]
*{{transliteration|ja|[[Yagō]]}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category multi|Heraldry of Japan|Mon (emblem)}}

{{heraldry}}
{{Heraldry by country}}

[[Category:Japanese heraldry]]
[[Category:Japanese coats of arms]]
[[Category:Kabuki]]
[[Category:Logos]]
[[Category:Military communication in feudal Japan]]
[[Category:Symbols]]
[[Category:Visual motifs]]
[[Category:Japanese words and phrases]]