Kamon are Japanese emblems or symbols used to identify the ancestral bloodlines of samurai warriors and Japanese nobility.
Kamons are an example of Japanese tradition that still resonates today. There are more than 20,000 individual Kamon in Japan. Kamon is a unique culture and tradition that is only found in Japan.
Although Kamon initially had more practical uses, such as distinguishing between friend and foe in battle, it has more recently become a symbol for organisations and business entities.
Kamon are everywhere in Japan. Mitsubishi, a Zaibatsu, whose origins started during the Meiji restoration, utilised the Kamon design from their founders Yamanouchi clan, family crest. Kamon designs populate modern day Japanese packaging of sake, beer, and food products to lend an air of refinement and tradition, such is the effect of the Kamon in Japan today.
Japan Nakama are pleased to announce the launch of their Kamon. The design is inspired by the Inari-Taisha Kitsune Fox. This shrine can be found in Fushimi Ward in Kyoto and is famous for its Torii gates. The custom to donate a torii existed since the Edo period to make a wish become true, or give thanks for a wish that had come true.
More than one-third (32,000) of the Shinto shrines in Japan are dedicated to the Inari fox deity.
The Kitsune Fox is the deity of rice, sake, and tea and typically represents general prosperity and agricultural fertility. Our founder found a lot of inspiration when visiting the Inari Taisha Shrine, which eventually led to the founding of Japan Nakama.
Inari-Taisha Kitsune Fox:
The Japan Nakama Kamon carries multiple meanings within its design. The Fox, typically white, carry the message of knowledge with them and we illustrated that with a scroll held in the mouths of the foxes.
The idea of Nakama is to bring people together into a community of like-minded people and this is embodied by our representation of the group of Kitsune Foxes. We hope as Nakama, it’ll bring you much prosperity.
Nakama Kanji:
The Kanji for Nakama is boldly printed on all of the Kitsune Fox’s chests to represent the pride of bringing a community together.
City:
Most Nakama are city dwellers and thrive in modern city environments, as is often the reason why we love Japan; for its modern city life. We wanted the City in the background to represent where we bring people together.
Nakama Greeting:
The Nakama greeting, a fist bump, is a form of greeting that acts to break down formality. A handshake, can often be too professional and keep us distant. A fist bump can be shared between anyone and represents Respect, Acceptance, and Friendship.
