tomoe

Tomoe is a stylized, comma-shaped swirl used in Japanese iconography. The most widely recognized form is mitsudomoe, a circle formed by three interlocking swirls. Less common variants include hitotsu-tomoe (one swirl) and futatsu-tomoe (two swirls). The symbol is written with the kanji 巴, and the reading tomoe is used both in reference to the motif and in given names.

Historically, tomoe appeared in kamon, or family crests, of samurai clans and other households. It was commonly painted on kabuto helmets, armor, banners, and various metalwork and woodwork. The mitsudomoe in particular is associated with Shinto shrines and the deity Hachiman, as a sign of protection and the dynamic forces of nature, such as wind, water, and storms. The motif is thought to symbolize motion, cyclical change, or the interaction of opposing forces, though its precise meaning varies by context.

In contemporary Japan, the tomoe remains a popular decorative motif. It appears in logo design, martial arts emblems, architecture ornament, and crafts, and it also functions as a component of personal and place names. Notable historical figure: Tomoe Gozen, a female warrior of the late 12th century, is associated with the era in which such symbols were widely used. The name Tomoe is also used as a given name for girls in modern times.