After doing some research into Kikusui on gunto, I've discovered some interesting tid-bits, which may not be news to some of us, but I'll post what I've found.  If anyone sees something I've missed or has something to add, please do!   According Dan King, “A Tomb Called Iwo Jima,” the crest we know today as the Kikusui was the clan crest of a 14th Century Samurai, Kusunoki-Masa-sige , who fought to the death proclaiming “But that I had seven lives to give to the Emperor!” (at least the