A family that teaches a traditional art. The word is also used to mean the present head of the family who embodies the tradition. Also the house of residence in which the family lives. The word ‘Iemoto’ was first used in the 18th century when the seventh Iemoto Joshinsai established the Iemoto system. This was made clear in the tradition of ‘isshi soden’ (transmission to one child only) by which every son but the eldest changed his surname and built a separate residence.