Takenaka Hanbei

Description of Takenaka Hanbei

Takenaka Hanbei (1544 – 1579), was a Japanese samurai during the Sengoku period of the 16th century. Originally under the Saito clan, Hanbei was able to overthrow this clan and take over their territories. He was a key force in the military, and was largely in charge of the defence against Oda Nobunaga during the Siege of Inabayama Castle. Impressed with his military prowess during the siege, Hanbei was invited by Hideyoshi to join his force and become a strategist. However, Hanbei died of illness soon after. His son, however, continued his legacy. Takenaka Shigekado, his son, continued to serve Hideyoshi after his father’s death and fought in many key battles during this time.

Style Variations

Bold – Light – Outlined – Colorable
Each variation is included in the file package.

Japan main description

Japanese Symbols

The Japanese family crests or Mons have a similar role as the English family crests. The Japanese family crest symbols, or Mons are a coat of arms used to represent families and individuals, and more recently, businesses and institutions. There is little known about the origin of these crests and the Japanese family crest symbols, but it is commonly believed that the tradition started as a fabric pattern to identify aristocratic families and individuals. It eventually evolved to being used in battles, and then became a common way of identification, even for commoners. In terms of design, there were no hard and fast rules. There seemed to be a general consensus to use a roundel that would encircle some sort of figure when designing Japanese family crest symbols. This could be a plant, a man-made shape, a natural or celestial figure as one part of it. Other mon used religious symbols, kanji, and other shapes in their design as well. The mon was also designed to be monochromatic, and colors were generally eschewed. For commoners, however, the use of the mon, or the Japanese family crest symbol was tricky. If they had none, they would either adapt the mon of their patron or organization, or failing that, used what would be considered inappropriate mons, or developed their own altogether. The usage and choice of mons came with their own rules and were largely dictated by social customs - and its usage was monitored and enforced. For example, it was considered inappropriate to use a mon or Japanese family crest symbol already in use by someone else, and especially offensive if held by someone of a higher rank. If a situation such as that occurred, the lower-ranking person would have to change their mon or Japanese family crest symbol in order to avoid any offense or wrongdoing. Mons held by the ruling Japanese clans were legally protected and could not be used by others.