It is estimated that there are more than two thousand family emblems derived from patterns drawn from things like flowers and birds. These designs originated in the Asuka period (6c-8c) under the influence of the civilization on the Continent. Most of the patterns that serve as the basis of today's family emblems were used in the Heian period (9c-12c).

In the Muromachi period and the following Warrior Society (15c-16c), the shape of the family emblem became more abstract and refined than before. At the same time, these family emblems came to be used by the warrior class as heraldic markings. They played a significant role in the warrior society of that time. You may have seen scenes in some movies of battle flags with family emblems waving over the battle field, or of a group of soldiers sitting on benches surrounded by encampment curtains with a family emblem.

By the Edo period (17c-19c), at the height of the feudal era, the use of these emblems was established throughout Japan. What heraldry eventually became in Japan was a system of family emblems--the use of a distinctive mark as a symbol of one's family name. During the Edo period, the haori, a half-length coat, was popularized as a formal garment. The standardization of these garments led to the final formalization of the design of family emblems since they were now displayed on official garments used in formal settings.

The family emblem played a significant role as a symbol of lineage. The design of most family emblems was emphasized by enclosing them in a circle. Among the lower classes, it became popular to wear emblems showing a family mark similar to those used by upper-class families. Lower-class families devised many kinds of emblems resembling those used by the upper classes. They even developed a new style of their own. These emblems seem to have served as a sort of business card.

The popularity of emblems declined with the end of the feudal system, especially after the Meiji Restoration of 1868. After the establishment of the New Constitution, people became more interested in individual achievements than keeping track of their lineage.

Today you may come across your family emblem on the surface of a memorial stone. Don't you think it has a peculiar beauty? You might touch the feelings of your loved ones and most of all you might understand the legacy inherited from generation to generation through the family emblem.

(Kindly revised by James E. Moskin, 11-2-2000)