Background info

Word	Explanation
What is a Kamon?	According to “Kamon”, written by surname and kamon researcher and professor Motoji Niwa, a kamon is “an emblem that symbolises the family name or title, and has traditionally been used to represent the house”. Kamon have been used from the Heian period, along with the surname, to represent the house. When researching ancestry, these two are often inseparable.
What is a Samurai?	The Samurai were an elite warrior class of feudal Japan, similar in status to the medieval European knights. The Samurai class were ranked above that of farmers, craftsmen, and merchants, and were involved in the governing of Japan for over 600 years.
What were the Heimin class?	The Heimin class refers to the common people, those who are members of neither royalty, nor nobility, nor Samurai.
What were the Kuge?	The Kuge class refers to the nobility, who served the Emperor. Unlike the Samurai who served through their military might, the nobility were court officials who were involved in activities such as ceremonies.
Who is the Tenno?	The Tenno is the title for the head of state of Japan. The title has continued from the 7th century to this day. It is equivalent to the title of Emperor or King.