Mitsu Tomoe black katana

In Japan, the tomoe, the coiled comma, becomes a true emblem when it multiplies by three to form the mitsudomoe. Associated as early as the Xᵉ century with the god Hachiman, protector of warriors, the triple swirl symbolizes the balance between heaven, earth and humanity. Engraved on the taiko drums of shrines and on roof tiles, it invokes the swirling water believed to quench fire; an ideal talisman for medieval castles. Samurai clans such as the Uesugi adopted it on their armor and banners to summon victory.
This form continues to fascinate pop culture: in the Naruto manga, the Sharingan's pupils count from one to three tomoe(mitsu = three and tomoe = the curled comma), marking the growing mastery of power, a direct echo of the rise in warrior power of the ancient bushi.