(Kamon)

Wikipedia : "Kamon" click HERE

Like the heraldic devices of Europe, Japanese family crests developed as the battlefield insignia of feudal nobles and warriors during the 12th century. Over time they were adopted and altered by institutions, businesses and the common people. The subdued, monochromatic crests draw from a number of simple motifs- mostly animals and insets, natural phenomena, abstract designs, symbols and ideographs, man-made objects, and plants. They range from quite literal depictions-an anchor or a fan, for instance-to highly stylized ones, such as Mr. Fuji in the mist. Crests are still a valued part of Japan's aesthetic wealth, and virtually every Japanese family has one, although most now display these elegant symbols only during formal occasions.

More about Kamon

4. Maruni Nobori Fuji (Ascending Wisteria in Circle)	Wisteria: 藤（FUJI) Because the flowers' name sounds just like 不死 FUSHI (No death) and 無事 BUJI (Safe, peace),Samurai love this flower as their family crests. Also, the way of the flower's propagation is just like family clan's big family tree. Fujiwara clans, one of the most strong family used the Kamon of Wisteria.
43. Maruni Tsuru no Maru (Round Crane in Circle)	Crane: 鶴(Tsuru) Crane has been a symbol of longevity from ancient time. cf. Turtle 亀 (kame) Turtle is also a symbol of longevity.
36. Maruni Mitsu Uroko (Three scales in Circle)	Scales: 鱗（UROKO) As believed to scales protect you from evils. Mitsu-uroko was used for Houjou clan's kamon. This is because the Houjou Tokimasa dreamed of a beautiful lady who was incarnation of a serpent, when he wishes for his clan's prosperity. The lady left three scales after she disappeared. c.f. Komon of Scales

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