Torii Gate of Suwa Shrine in Nishi-Waseda, Tokyo, Japan There are 13 types of Shinto shrines in Japan, each with a different belief system and deities. A deeper understanding of many types of Shinto Shrines gives you...
Author - Hiroko Matsuyama
Hiroko Matsuyama
Significance of Selecting Japanese Family Crests aka Kamon
‘Mu’ Kamon Kamon, Japanese family crests, were first painted on palanquins, clothing, and camp curtains to mark the family name. The kamon on camp curtains and other items was clearly structured and easily...
Origins of the Japanese Family Crest: Court Nobles and Samurai
There are various theories about the origin of Japanese family crests. But since the origins of crests differ between court nobles and samurai families, let us begin with the origin of the crests of court nobles. Table...
Japanese Honorific Suffix: “San”, “Sama”, “Kun”, and “Chan”
The Japanese honorific suffix is something you learn first and use every day when you learn Japanese. They can be confusing, but it’s easy to learn the basics. They reflect the Japanese culture, and knowing and...
Japanese Surnames: Top 10 Ranking, Origin, and its Meanings
Japanese surnames are known for their wide variety and origins. Many are derived from the names of places, geographic features, and occupations. Knowing their origin and history will make you more familiar with Japanese...
