Mitsudomoe

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A mitsudomoe design on a taiko drum
A mitsudomoe design on a taiko drum

Created from three joined tomoe, the mitsudomoe (三つ巴?) is a popular symbol in Japan. Some view the mitsudomoe as representative of the threefold division (Man, Earth, & Sky) at the heart of the Shinto religion.

Originally, it was associated with the Shinto war deity Hachiman, and through that was adopted by the samurai as their traditional symbol. The mitsudomoe has been used in Japanese family crests (kamon) and corporate logos, and is a traditional symbol of Okinawa. Jeju-do's flag has a mitsudomoe on it, as did the Ryūkyū Kingdom's flags.

[edit] Similar designs

A similar emblem has been proposed and copyrighted as a symbol of the BDSM community.

[edit] External links