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In the anime [Samurai
Champloo](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samurai_Champloo), there is a character
called
[Jin](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Samurai_Champloo_characters#Jin)
who is defined in the [Samurai Champloo
Wiki](http://champloo.wikia.com/wiki/Jin) as:

> (..) a spectacled man with messy black hair tied in a loose ponytail with
> two strands that frame his face. His attire consists of a simple blue kimono
> adorned with **multiple symbols that are four squares in a diamond
> formation** on the right pec, sleeves, and back of his kimono. Also wears a
> brown beaded bracelet on his right wrist.

These symbols are called [mon](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mon_%28crest%29),
and his looks like this

![Jin's picture, with his diamond shaped mon on the left
sleeve.](https://i.stack.imgur.com/7HDiy.jpg)

Wikipedia's page on the character says that this mon resembles that of [the
Takeda clan](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeda_clan), and provides a link to
the story of [Takeda
Shingen](http://www.zenstoriesofthesamurai.com/Characters/Shingen%20Takeda.htm),
as well as a [broken link](http://www.scottshaw.com/daitoryu/).

**Is this really the Takeda mon?** (has the author every stated this, or is
there any official reference)  
**Or is it all just speculation and the pointing out of similarities?** (which
may just have been inspirations)  
Or could it be some other less-known clan's mon?


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2012-12-17T12:02:13.447
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question
samurai-champloo
What is the mon in Jin's kimono?


There is no way to know for sure, as it is not explicitly mentioned. While
several other clans did use this design, the Takeda are by far the most well
known. The four diamonds in this _mon_ is said to stand for Takeda Shingen's
famous, inspirational motto: "Swift as the wind. Silent as the forest. Fierce
as the fire. Steadfast as the mountain," which was drawn from the writings of
the Chinese strategist Sun Tzu (of "The Art of War" fame).

It should be noted that Yukimura bears the
[Houjou](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C5%8Dj%C5%8D_clan) _mon_ (looks like a
Triforce), who were neighbors of the Takeda and over time have been both
allies and adversaries to them. Perhaps Jin and Yukimura's relationship in the
show is a symbolic microcosm of the parallels between the real-life families?


CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-12-17T16:37:00.153
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answer


The matsumae clan of Hokkaido who claimed descent from the Takeda as a cadet
branch used the same mon as well


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answer