Why the DRAGONFLY

The Dragonfly — known in Japanese as tonbo, akitsu, or kachimushi (勝⾍) – the “victory insect,” a poetic name for the dragonfly — has held a revered place in Japan’s cultural and spiritual heritage for centuries. For the samurai, it was far more than a decorative element; it embodied courage, determination, and unwavering resolve. A dragonfly never retreats — it moves only forward — making it the perfect emblem for the warrior’s path, defined by fearless advance and unshakeable purpose. 

The symbolic significance of the dragonfly reaches back to the mythical origins of Japan. According to legend, Emperor Jimmu Tennō, the nation’s first ruler, once climbed a hill and gazed over the united lands. The shape of the islands reminded him of two dragonflies flying together. Moved by the vision, he named his country Akitsu-shima — “Island of Dragonflies” — a poetic name that endured for centuries, celebrating the bond between Japan, its natural beauty, and its spiritual identity. 

Another tale tells of Emperor Yūryaku Tennō, who, while hunting, was bitten by a horsefly. Before he could react, a dragonfly appeared and devoured the pest. The Emperor took this as a divine sign of protection and honour. From that time, the dragonfly became known as kachimushi — the “victory insect” — a title that cemented its place in the warrior’s symbolic tradition.

The motif continued to inspire samurai in later centuries. Itagaki Nobukata, a loyal retainer of Takeda Shingen, adorned his helmet, hand guards, and kimono with dragonfly designs. Maeda Toshiie, a renowned strategist and daimyō, also wore a kabuto crowned with a dragonfly crest, reflecting his fearless nature and belief in triumph.

The Akitsu-shima Collection — named after this ancient poetic term for Japan — revives the spirit of these legends through exceptional craftsmanship and thematic unity.