also: きっかもんしょう
noun
imperial chrysanthemum crest; imperial seal of Japan
Refers specifically to the stylized 16-petal chrysanthemum emblem used by the Japanese imperial family.
パスポートの表紙には菊花紋章が描かれている。
The imperial chrysanthemum crest is printed on the cover of the passport.
Standard kanji spelling for the imperial chrysanthemum crest.
Alternate reading with gemination; less common but recognized.
Compound of 菊花 (kikka/kikuka, 'chrysanthemum flower') and 紋章 (monshō, 'crest, emblem'). The chrysanthemum has been a symbol of the Japanese imperial family since the Kamakura period.