It is said that family crests were created during the Heian period. Family crests are said to have originated at the time when aristocrats added unique patterns to their oxcarts so that people could tell at a glance who it belonged to.

In the aristocratic society of the time, family crests were used to symbolize the rank of the family, and ox carts with family crests were given way to those of lower rank.

During the Sengoku period, family crests were used on military flags called ``hatajirushi.'' Family crests were preferred to have simple designs so that allies and foes could be easily distinguished during battle.
In the Edo period, many people began to have a family crest as a symbol instead of their surname.

At that time, medical technology was not advanced, and family crests were used as symbols of longevity and prosperity in order to keep the family alive.

Family crests are sometimes used as amulets to protect oneself and land from disasters and monsters.
It is said that they were used for Jizo statues and Buddhist deities on the outskirts of villages, and were placed to ward off evil spirits from entering towns and villages. Many of these customs still remain today.

Its motifs include plants, animals, and stars that have been popular in Japan since ancient times.

It is said that there are over 30,000 types of family crests when the designs are classified in detail. The high level of design is highly praised overseas as well, and the most distinctive feature is the abundance of motifs and the high design quality of the patterns. Many family crests have various meanings, such as ``connecting generations'' and ``prosperity of descendants.''

During the Edo period, people were strictly restricted from using their surnames depending on their class. Many people now have family crests in place of their surnames.

As the name suggests, a family crest serves as a sign that symbolizes ``home'', strengthens family unity, and serves as something that can be passed down from generation to generation.


In modern society, where the number of nuclear families is increasing and the birthrate is declining and the population is aging, ``family crests'' are attracting attention as a way to reflect on the culture that the Japanese have built, the history of the land, and the things that have been connected to their own families. is bathed in

In addition, due to the global social situation, there is a strong desire to strengthen family unity, and people from overseas also sympathize with the family crest culture, which has many appeals as a culture that embodies the desire to protect what is important. It is attracting attention from all directions.