Reason to be happy to live in Berlin number 2: walking down Gipsstrasse and discovering what a Kamon is. The origin of Kamon dates back to the Heian period (789 ~ 1182) when it was used to show a lineage and the status of noble families. As the time changed, it had also reached to the Samurai class and the common people.

Wikipedia explains: Kamon are Japanese family heraldic symbols. Mon refers to any symbol, while kamon and mondokoro refer specifically to family symbols. (…) A mon consists of a roundel encircling a design (such as feathers, flowers, or some man-made object). They are somewhat like coats of arms in that they are either associated with a particular clan or family, or an individual who has achieved some variety of public recognition.

Keiichii Tanaami thought that the emblems needed a second life. He twisted the design while respecting the original spirit and turned the kamon into bright characters. Others designers have followed, editing, redesigning and/or collaging: Marok, Namaiki, Masura Ishiura, Naohiro Ukawa. Their work is part of the Kamon Design exhibition

Namaiki and Ukawa

Running at the Circle Culture Gallery, Mitte, until April 20.
Images from the exhibition.