In Photos: Craftsmen strive to protect 'kamon' family crest for modern Japan and world

A Japanese traditional 'kamon' family crest is being drawn onto kimono fabric using a traditional bamboo compass and a superfine brush in Tokyo's Taito Ward on Sept. 17, 2020. (Mainichi/Junichi Sasaki)

'Monsho uwae-shi' craftsman Shoryu Hatoba is seen drawing a traditional family crest onto kimono fabric in Tokyo's Taito Ward on Sept. 17, 2020. (Mainichi/Junichi Sasaki)

A Japanese traditional 'kamon' family crest is being drawn onto kimono fabric using a traditional bamboo compass and a superfine brush in Tokyo's Taito Ward on Sept. 17, 2020. (Mainichi/Junichi Sasaki)

A traditional Japanese compass made of bamboo and a superfine brush used by craftsmen to make 'kamon' family crests is seen in Tokyo's Taito Ward on Sept. 17, 2020. (Mainichi/Junichi Sasaki)

Tools used to draw 'kamon' family crests, including a traditional Japanese compass made of bamboo called "bunmawashi," a ruler, a glass rod, and a superfine brush, are seen in this photo taken in Tokyo's Taito Ward on Sept. 17, 2020. (Mainichi/Junichi Sasaki)

A design drawn on the computer by applying the traditional technique of family crests is seen in this photo taken in Tokyo's Taito Ward on Sept. 17, 2020. (Mainichi/Junichi Sasaki)

A book showing various 'kamon' family crest patterns is seen in this photo taken in Tokyo's Taito Ward on Sept. 17, 2020. (Mainichi/Junichi Sasaki)

A book showing various 'kamon' family crest patterns is seen in this photo taken in Tokyo's Taito Ward on Sept. 17, 2020. (Mainichi/Junichi Sasaki)

'Monsho uwae-shi' craftsman Shoryu Hatoba, left, and his son Yoji are seen at Kyogen, a workshop in Tokyo's Taito Ward, on Sept. 17, 2020. (Mainichi/Junichi Sasaki)