These family crests (In Japanese, KAMON) are called '(Sasa or Take)-Mon, Take-Mon' in JAPAN.

Bamboo crests

Nine bamboo leaves in circle	Nine bamboo leaves	Uesugi Kenshin (Edo-monshoshu)	Uesugi Kenshin (Heian-monkan)
Pine, bamboo leaves and ume	Ten bamboo leaves & facing sparrows in circle	Nine bamboo leaves in bamboo circle	Bamboo leaves for the Yagyu family
Two bamboos with bamboo leaves in circle	Bamboo & sedge hat in circle	Bamboo with root in circle

Evergreen perpetual of the grass family, Take and Sasa are actually two different species, albeit often confused. Generally, smaller type of Take (bamboo) are called Sasa. There was a Chinese legend that the phoenix ate bamboo fruit, which probably explains how it came to be regarded as a lucky plant. Bamboo designs were first used in decorative patterns and later as family crests. (From 'Family Crests of Japan' ICG Muse, Inc.2001)

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