Kyogen’s Mon-Mandala® Technique: Future-Proofing Japanese Artisanship through Design

Thousands of interwoven lines come together to form a single image, evoking a universe of intricate detail—this is Mon-Mandala®, an art form where traditional Japanese craftsmanship meets modern digital tools. The creative minds behind these works are Kyogen’s Shoryu Hatoba and his son Yoho, mastermonsho uwaeshi—artisans who specialize in paintingkamon(family crests) on kimono. For years, they relied solely on traditional tools, but a turning point came 15 years ago when a client requested that a designedkamonbe delivered as an Adobe Illustrator file.

Yoho, learning Illustrator on his own, quickly realized its potential forkamondesign. His father Shoryu attempted it as well but struggled with drawing curves, leading him to experiment by using a segment of a perfect circle. Unexpectedly, this created beautiful, intricate patterns—details that would not have existed in hand-drawn work. The digital format preserved these accidental shapes, serendipitously giving birth to a completely new form of expression.

Traditionally, Japanesekamonare composed solely of circles and lines. The same principle applies to Mon-Mandala®, but with the power of digital tools, it has become possible to create far more intricate and diverse patterns.

At first glance, some areas appear to have been sketched in advance. However, each shape is actually formed from segments of circles, where the interplay of overlapping lines creates depth and dimension, drawing viewers into the artwork. Yoho describes it as “almost like an optical illusion,” while Shoryu explains that “shapes born from circles seem to resonate with human DNA on a subconscious level.”

For years, Shoryu had concerns about the future of his craft, sensing that paintingkamonon kimono alone might not be sustainable. Yet, he also saw untapped potential inkamondesign. The discovery of Mon-Mandala® through digital tools became a gateway from craftsmanship to artistry. Meanwhile, Yoho, captivated by the depth and complexity of digital design, felt confident in the approach for the future, explaining, “I had the thought that this could preservekamonfor future generations.”

Expanding the possibilities ofkamonthrough digital tools has also led Kyogen to collaborate with various brands and industries. Shoryu has provided designs for Yohji Yamamoto, a brand he has long admired. Yoho, realizing a childhood dream, created an originalkamonfor Ferrari, while they both contributed label designs for the prestigious French champagne house Duval-Leroy.

Now, the father-and-son duo are setting their sights on revitalizing Japanese craftsmanship through design. Despite challenges such as a shrinking pool of successors in traditional industries, there are still many skilled artisans in Japan whose work deserves global recognition. Just askamon—once overlooked—has gained international appreciation as a symbol of Japanese aesthetics, they believe that adding a creative, innovative element can spark new breakthroughs in craftsmanship, transforming it into a globally admired industry.

Reflecting on their journey, Shoryu and Yoho attribute every opportunity they’ve had to meaningful connections, or “en”—the Japanese concept of fate and relationships. As they continue to expand their work while cherishing these connections, their future appears set to unfold just like their Mon-Mandala®—layer upon layer, growing ever richer and more profound.