[A Look at Kimonos and Family Crests] Insights from Princess Kako of Akishino’s Kimono and Family Crest During Her Visit to Brazil
Hello. I’m Noriko Onozaki, representative of HeWhoMe.Tokyo.
In 2025, Princess Kako of the Akishino family visited Brazil to attend a ceremony commemorating the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil. I will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the kimono Princess Kako wore and her family crest.
Types and Names of Kimonos
There are various rules governing kimonos. For instance, the type of kimono worn differs between married and unmarried women, and depending on the pattern, they are classified in order of formality as “formal attire,” “semi-formal attire,” and “casual formal attire.” I think this is similar to how, in the West, people change their dresses depending on whether a party is held during the day or at night.
The kimono Princess Kako wore on this occasion was a furisode, which is the formal attire for unmarried women. In Japan, there is a Coming-of-Age Ceremony at age 20, and the furisode is so popular that it is the kimono young women typically wear for that occasion.
So far, we have seen Princess Kako in two furisode kimonos.
At the ceremony where she was awarded an order at the Bandirantes Palace, she wore a pale yellow furisode with a light green obi. Paired with an orange obiage, it was a very elegant and dignified ensemble.
In addition, at the ceremony marking the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations held in the capital, Brasília, she wore a light blue furisode kimono with a vermilion obi. This is the same outfit she wore to the 2024 garden party.
(December 2023, Imperial Household Agency)
Princess Kako Pays a Courtesy Call on the President of Brazil in a Furisode Kimono: A “Coordinated Look” with Her Sister, Princess Mako, from 7 Years Ago; A “Connection” to Brazil… The Meaning Behind Her Attire
At the time, reports indicated that this kimono featured the Kikutsuga crest—the three-crest emblem of the Akishino family.
Whether a kimono features a family crest or not is an important rule in kimono etiquette and holds great significance.
Here is a brief explanation of Japanese family crests.
About Family Crests on Kimonos
In Japan, there has long been a tradition of family crests (kamon), which are unique to each family. These are passed down from generation to generation; in the past, they were displayed on battle flags to distinguish friend from foe.
In modern times, they are most commonly found on kimonos, graves, and Buddhist altar furnishings.
Three Ways to Place Family Crests
There are three types of family crests on kimonos: five crests (go-mon), three crests (san-mon), and one crest (itsu-mon). Generally, the more crests there are, the higher the formality of the kimono.
The furisode worn by Princess Kako is, by definition, the highest-ranking kimono for unmarried women. Furthermore, the inclusion of three crests gives the impression of enhancing its formal elegance.
Here is where the crests are placed.
Kimonos with family crests hold a special power
While kimonos themselves have distinct levels of formality, it’s fascinating how adding a family crest can suddenly elevate their status.
Take this Edo komon, for example.
Komon kimonos are generally considered the most casual and lowest-ranking type of kimono, but even among Edo komon, this “shark” (same) pattern is treated as special. This is because it is a prestigious pattern worn by samurai since the Edo period, and because its fine, intricate design makes it appear from a distance to be a solid-colored kimono—a style considered one rank higher.
Therefore, simply adding this single crest elevates the garment from casual fashion to formal wear.
This is the true power of the crest.
(From Karansama of Antique Kimonos)
About the Imperial Family’s Crest
As for when this crest first appeared, it seems the nobility began using it during the Heian period (around 800 AD), and by the Muromachi period (around 1400 AD), commoners were also using it.
Since the prototype of the kimono began to emerge during the Heian period, I believe the crest has evolved in tandem with the kimono, continuing to the present day.
About the Imperial Family’s Crest
So, which family possesses the oldest crest?
That would be the Imperial Family, which boasts the world’s longest history spanning 2,685 years. The “chrysanthemum crest” is the Imperial Family’s crest and the emblem of the Imperial Household.
（天皇家家紋｜十六葉八重表菊）
About the Family Crest of the Akishino Family
The crest on Princess Kako’s furisode kimono is the “Kiku-tsuga.”
Since the Akishino family is a branch of the Imperial family, this crest was established as their new family crest when the Akishino family was founded in 1990.
It is said that this crest was created by combining the chrysanthemum—the Imperial family’s crest—with the “tsuga” (Japanese hemlock), which is His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino’s personal emblem.
（秋篠宮家紋｜菊栂）
This may sound disrespectful, but a branch family is essentially a branch of the Imperial Family.
Let’s look at this from the perspective of a branch family’s crest.
How Branch Family Crests Are Determined
If the eldest son inherits the main family line, what happens to the crests of the second son, third son, and subsequent sons in the branch families?
The general practice seems to be to take the main family’s crest as a base and add various elements to it. This might involve enclosing it in a circle, increasing the number of elements to two or three, or adding favorite motifs.
I think it’s fair to say that the Akishino family crest was created precisely according to this rule.
As a commoner, this is a story that makes me feel a sense of kinship.
This applies across cultures; apparently, European coats of arms are also based on the father’s coat of arms. Since they represent individuals rather than families, they tend to become more complex.
There are many variations of Japanese family crests.
This is the Onozaki family crest, known as “Maru ni Tachi Omodaka” (a circle with a standing omodaka plant).
The omodaka crest is said to represent the “victory plant” and is considered an auspicious symbol.
Perhaps because it’s so popular, there are many different variations.
Here it is!
And yet, this is still only a part of the Sawagata crest.
When you think about how many branches of the family were established, it really is quite profound.
Bonus: Queen’s Emblem
This isn’t a family crest, but it’s the logo said to represent the legendary band Queen.
It incorporates motifs for all four members: Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. Roger and John, both Leos, flank the sides; Brian, a Cancer, is in the center; and Freddie, a Virgo, is depicted as a fairy.
If you think of a family as a team and a band as a team, I believe this logo carries a meaning closer to a family crest than a personal emblem.
It’s safe to say this logo functioned exceptionally well as a symbol to strengthen their bond.
A Summary of Kimonos and Family Crests
I’ve shared some information about kimonos and family crests, two of Japan’s traditional elements.
Both are deeply rich subjects that are closely intertwined with HeWhoMe, so I’ll likely touch on them from time to time in the future.
Regarding the kimonos we carry at HeWhoMe, I’d love to share the stories behind why we chose them. Since the Sengoku-period warlords—who are gaining popularity worldwide—all have their own family crests, I hope to discuss these topics alongside Japanese history.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions—not just about HeWhoMe, but about Japanese culture in general!
info@hewhome.tokyo