15 Comments
User's avatar
The Brothers Krynn's avatar

I love that flag, but can't wait to buy a Shining Sun flag once I find a place to live and work. That last photo really stuck with me.

SHIMIZU Akira's avatar

I also love the Japanese flag, which has the simplest design in the world.

The Brothers Krynn's avatar

I like the simpler one, too but I like the older one as said. Japan also has beautiful coat of arms, such as those of the Heike and of the likes of Oda Nobunaga.

SHIMIZU Akira's avatar

In the past, only samurai had family crests, but today all Japanese people have them. By the way, my family's crest is a "Maru ni Kikyo (bellflower in a circle)". It is similar to Akechi Mitsuhide's emblem.

The Brothers Krynn's avatar

Sugoii, it must be quite the image, any chance you might post a photo of it? And the fact that it looks like the Akechi crest must be something you're proud of.

As to the Samurai, yep, only they had crests I'd love to get one but don't know if I qualify, I could never be fully Japanese after all. That said though, I should still like to see many of them when I arrive in Japan in March.

SHIMIZU Akira's avatar

https://irohakamon.com/kamon/kikyou/marunikikyou.html

The difference between my family crest and Mitsuhide Akechi's is the presence or absence of a circle. As the name suggests, my hometown of Toki City has ties to the Toki clan. The Toki clan is said to be the roots of Mitsuhide Akechi. However, Akechi and I are not related by blood.

The Brothers Krynn's avatar

Ah I see, Akechi's last remaining notable lineage is the Hosokawa line, through his daughter Gracia's marriage to the heir of the Hosokawa.

As to Toki City that's in Gifu-ken desu neh?

Oh and nice crest, interesting different between the two crests. And okay when it comes to Japan, I never assume people are related to a famous figure, unless they mention it as Japanese people are usually proud of any such connections (with good reason). In your case, Toki Clan is still something to be proud of, as they were a remarkable clan and Gifu is a great region.

Julia Schmitz's avatar

When I see something like the Samurais amor, it feels like all the stitches put so much effort and energy and presence...this is actually what fascinates me the most about old & historic fashion. The technical skills of someone who needs to use her/his hands, body! Still amazing.

SHIMIZU Akira's avatar

I am amazed at the high aesthetic sense of the samurai of that time.

Julia Schmitz's avatar

and lovely serie of pictures!

SHIMIZU Akira's avatar

Thank you so much.

Marco & Sabrina's avatar

Beautiful images from one of the world’s most photogenic lands

SHIMIZU Akira's avatar

Thank you so much!

Bill Adler's avatar

These are terrific Japan photos.

SHIMIZU Akira's avatar

Thank you so much!