[Morioka Museum of History and Culture] Special Exhibition "The Proof of Family: The Nanbu Clan Through the Lens of Family Crests" Now Open

The family crest as a symbol of individual families in Japan

There are various theories, but the origin of family crests (mon) among the samurai class is generally traced back to the late Heian period through the early Kamakura period, when they began to be used on flags and camp banners. During the conflicts between the Minamoto and Taira clans, the Minamoto used white flags and the Taira used red flags to distinguish friend from foe. However, as numerous families aligned themselves within each camp, there arose a need for additional identifying marks—distinctive family crests that served as proof of lineage and identity.

According to genealogical records compiled by the Nanbu clan of Morioka Domain (also known as the San-nohe Nanbu), the Nanbu family lineage begins with Nanbu Nobunaka, third son of Kaga no Miotohikata (Yoshiari), a descendant of the Seiwa Genji. Examining the family crests adopted by the Nanbu clan as emblems of identity allows us to trace aspects of their history and collective identity.

This exhibition explores how the Nanbu family used their crests through historical artifacts such as armor, weapons, ceremonial garments, furnishings, and documents referencing "family crests." Immerse yourself in the world of the Nanbu family, where every object bears their distinctive mon.

d141165-157-6d54ff15d9cde0fb8b1a065162098699.pdf

Exhibition Contents

◆ Nanbu Family Crests as Seen in Historical Documents

Focuses on historical records detailing the five primary crests predominantly used by the Morioka Nanbu family.

◆ Artifacts Featuring Family Crests

Displays materials illustrating the Nanbu clan's legacy as Sengoku warlords and their status and prestige as feudal lords, viewable up close.

【Exhibition Highlights】

For the first time in one venue, four suits of armor historically associated with the Nanbu family will be exhibited together, including the "Iron-plated Black Lacquered Horizontal-Stave Barrel-Side Two-Plate Chest Armor with Indigo Thread Front Straps" (designated cultural property of Hanamaki City; housed at Hanamaki City Museum, collection of Nanbu Shrine) and the "Small Lamellar Armor with White Thread Lacing, Two-Plate Chest" (collection of Iwate Prefectural Museum).

◆ The Morioka Domain Lords and Regulation of Family Crests

Examines crest usage among the Nanbu clan and related families through official decrees issued by the lords of Morioka Domain regarding crests.

Related Events

1 Associated Exhibition: "Nanbu Family Crests and the Women"

[Dates] June 27 (Sat), 2026 – September 7 (Mon), 2026

[Venue] 2nd Floor, Permanent History Exhibition Room and Exhibition Room IV

[Note] Admission fee required

2 Gallery Talk

[Content] Guided explanation of exhibition materials by curatorial staff

[Dates] July 5 (Sun), 2026 and August 8 (Sat), 2026, 13:30–14:30 each day

[Venue] 2nd Floor, Special Exhibition Room

[Note] Drop-in participation welcome on the day (admission fee required)

3 Morioka History & Culture Museum Mystery Challenge: "Come On! Family! Family Crest!"

[Content] Use family crests as clues to solve puzzles by closely observing exhibition materials. Participants who answer all questions correctly will receive a gift.

[Dates] July 4 (Sat), July 11 (Sat), July 18 (Sat), July 25 (Sat), August 1 (Sat), August 8 (Sat), August 15 (Sat), 2026, 10:30–16:30 each day (※ Registration accepted until 16:00)

[Venue] 2nd Floor, Special Exhibition Room to Permanent History Exhibition Room

[Note] Drop-in participation welcome on the day (admission fee required)

4 Honorary Director Event: "Mr. Nanbu, May We Ask You Something? Part 3"

[Content] A talk-style lecture themed around family crests, followed by a guided viewing of the exhibition together with the honorary directors.

[Speakers] Toshifumi Nanbu (46th head of the Morioka Nanbu family, Honorary Director of the museum)

Yoshihiko Kumagai (Director of the museum)

[Date] July 19 (Sun), 2026, 13:30–15:00

[Venue] 1st Floor, Seminar Room

[Capacity] 30 people (※ Advance registration required via postcard or online form)

[Deadline] Must arrive by Tuesday, June 30, 2026

[Participation Fee] Free

5 Workshop: "Let’s Make a Family Crest with Paper Cutting! – Morioka Nanbu Family Edition –"

[Content] Create the official crest of the Morioka Nanbu family, "Maru ni Sōgaku" (two cranes in a circle), using paper cutting.

[Instructor] Museum Curator

[Date] July 26 (Sun), 2026, 13:30–15:30

[Venue] 1st Floor, Seminar Room

[Capacity] 10 people (※ Advance registration required via postcard or online form)

[Deadline] Must arrive by Sunday, July 12, 2026

[Participation Fee] 100 yen (includes insurance)

[Note] Craft involves use of cutters and other sharp tools

6 Morioka History & Culture Lecture: "Mon: The Samurai Society Through Family Crests"

[Content] A lecture exploring Edo-period samurai society through the lens of family crests.

[Lecturer] Kazuhito Chiba (Lecturer, Aoyama Gakuin University and Sacred Heart Women's University)

[Date] August 22 (Sat), 2026, 13:30–15:30

[Venue] 1st Floor, Seminar Room

[Capacity] 50 people (※ Advance registration required via postcard or online form)

[Deadline] Must arrive by Friday, July 31, 2026

[Participation Fee] Free

Original Exhibition Goods

"Morioka Nanbu Family Oshinobi Gomon Pins"

Original pins featuring the "Hana-bishi" (flower rhombus) and "Matsu no Mi" (pinecone) crests historically used by the Morioka Nanbu family.

※ "Oshinobi Gomon" refers to the private crests of the Morioka Nanbu family. "Hana-bishi" and "Matsu no Mi" later became official substitute crests.

Set of "Hana-bishi" and "Matsu no Mi" (1,500 yen), "Hana-bishi" single (800 yen), "Matsu no Mi" single (800 yen)

Special Exhibition "The Proof of Family: The Nanbu Clan Through the Lens of Family Crests"

[Exhibition Period] June 27 (Sat), 2026 – August 31 (Sun), 2026

Closed: July 21 (Tue), August 18 (Tue)

Closed for setup: July 22 (Wed), July 23 (Thu)

[Venue] 2nd Floor, Special Exhibition Room

[Opening Hours] 9:00–19:00 (※ Last admission at 18:30)

[Admission Fee] General 300 yen, High school students 200 yen, Elementary/junior high students 100 yen; group discount of 20% for groups of 20 or more

※ Admission includes access to the 2nd-floor Permanent History Exhibition Room

[Organizer] Morioka Museum of History and Culture Revitalization Group

[Inquiries] Morioka Museum of History and Culture TEL: 019-681-2100 FAX: 019-652-5296 Official website: (https://www.morireki.jp)

Morioka Museum of History and Culture

Morioka: Castle and Castle Town Field Museum A downtown museum located within Morioka Castle Park. The 1st floor is free and features exhibits on major local festivals and seasonal tourist information. The 2nd-floor exhibition space (fee required) displays historical materials related to Morioka Domain and the ruling Nanbu family.

Address 1-50 Naka-maru, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture 020-0023 Phone 019-681-2100 URL https://www.morireki.jp

The Morioka Museum of History and Culture is operated by the Morioka Museum of History and Culture Revitalization Group (Nurumokougeisha Co., Ltd., Morioka Tourism and Convention Association, a Public Interest Foundation) as designated management body.