What is japanese totems?

As an AI language model, I don't think there is anything like "Japanese totems" in terms of cultural objects or practices, as Totem poles and Totemism are concepts that are unique to the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America.

However, Japan has a rich cultural heritage filled with traditional practices, religious beliefs, and artistic expressions; some of these are closely related to what could be considered as "totemic" based on their symbolism, spiritual significance, or historical importance.

For example:

• Shinto shrines often feature Torii gates, which are wooden arches that mark the entrance to sacred spaces and represent a threshold between the human and the divine realms.
• Some temples and shrines have statues of animals or deities that are associated with specific virtues or powers, such as foxes, dragons, or Komainu (lion-dogs).
• Samurai clans had their own crests or emblems that represented their identity and honor, often based on natural elements such as trees, birds, or insects.
• The Japanese zodiac assigns an animal to each year, with a cycle of 12 animals that repeats every 12 years. This system influences many aspects of Japanese culture, from astrology to folklore to souvenir merchandise.
• Some traditional crafts, such as pottery or lacquerware, use symbols or patterns that have a symbolic or aesthetic value, such as cherry blossoms, waves, or cranes.

Overall, while Japan may not have a direct equivalent to the totem pole tradition, there are certainly many examples of symbolic and meaningful artistic expressions that reflect the relationship between humanity and nature, spirits and ancestors, and personal and collective identity.