Although the origin of Kone in Japan is unknown, it is believed to date at least as far back as the Nara period because it is written in "Shoku-Nihongi," which is the sequel to "Nihon Shoki" (Chronicles of Japan) that 'the Emperor wearing Benfuku for the first time showed up in the Daigokuden (Grand Palace) to receive New Year's greetings at about 10 o'clock on January 1, 732 A.D.'
日本における袞衣の起源は不明であるが、『続日本紀』に「天平四年（732年）正月乙巳朔、大極殿に御して朝を受く。天皇始めて冕服を服す」とあることから、少なくとも奈良時代まで遡ると考えられている。