Flag of Japan

The national flag of Japan is a simple design: a white rectangle with a red circle in the middle. This flag is called the Nisshōki, but most people in Japan know it as the Hinomaru, which means "ball of the sun." The flag represents Japan's nickname, the Land of the Rising Sun, because of the red circle that looks like the sun.

The Act on National Flag and Anthem made the Nisshōki the official flag of Japan on August 13, 1999, but people had been using this sun design for a very long time before that. In fact, even before this law, the sun flag was commonly used as Japan's symbol. Special rules about the flag were made in 1870, and it was used by ships and the navy.

The sun is very important in Japanese mythology and history. The emperor is said to be a direct descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu, which is why the sun appears on the flag. Stories say that as early as 701, an emperor used a sun flag. People in Japan often saw the flag as a sign of pride, especially during times of war, and it appeared on many things from posters to clothes. Today, the flag is still a strong symbol for Japan, although its use can sometimes be a subject of discussion, especially in schools. Several other flags used by Japan's military are based on the Hinomaru design.

History

The flag of Japan is a simple white rectangle with a red circle in the middle. It is called the Hinomaru, meaning “ball of the sun,” because it shows the sun. Japan is often called “the land of the rising sun” because it lies to the east of the Asian mainland, where the sun rises.

The sun has been an important symbol in Japan for a very long time. Ancient stories say that the Japanese imperial family comes from the sun goddess Amaterasu. For centuries, people in Japan have worshiped the sun, especially when thinking about farming and fishing. The flag’s design comes from these old ideas and traditions.

In the past, different groups in Japan used flags with sun shapes. During battles, leaders like Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu used the Hinomaru to show they were on the side of the emperor. In 1870, after Japan opened up to the rest of the world, the Hinomaru was officially made the country’s flag. Today, it is one of Japan’s most important national symbols.

Flag design

The national flag of Japan is a white rectangle with a red circle in the middle. This design was officially set in 1870. The flag’s width to length ratio is 7 to 10, and the red circle, which stands for the sun, is placed slightly toward the hoist side so it looks centered when the flag waves.

Later, in 1999, the law was updated to change the flag’s ratio to 2 to 3 while keeping the red circle’s size the same. The background is white, and the circle is a deep red color, though exact color details were not fixed in the law. Special color guidelines exist for military flags made from certain materials.

Use and customs

The flag of Japan, called the Hinomaru, has a rich history. At first, some people did not like it, but it became accepted when the government asked everyone to use it to honor the Emperor. Before World War II, every home had to show the flag on special days. After the war, only government buildings usually display it, though some people still fly it on holidays. The government encourages everyone to use the flag on national holidays, but it is not required by law.

One special way people used the flag was by signing it for soldiers going to war, called Hinomaru Yosegaki. Friends and family would write messages on the flag to wish the soldier safety. Today, people still use this tradition for good luck, like at sports events or for special occasions such as graduations or retirements. After big disasters, such as the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and tsunami, people also write messages of support on these flags.

Another custom is the hachimaki, a white headband with the red sun in the middle. People wear it to show perseverance, effort, and courage in many situations, such as sports or at school.

There is also a special lunch called Hinomaru bentō, which has white rice with a red plum in the center, representing the sun on the flag. This type of lunch box is a fun way to show pride in Japan's flag.

Culture and perception

Most Japanese people think of the flag of Japan as their national flag, even before a law about it was made in 1999. However, some people still argue about using the flag, especially in schools or news reports. Some newspapers, like the Asahi Shimbun and Mainichi Shimbun, sometimes criticize the flag because of its history.

Some people in places that were once ruled by Japan, like Okinawa Prefecture, also have mixed feelings about the flag. For example, in 1987, a person in Okinawa burned the flag to show disagreement with past actions and the presence of foreign military forces. In other countries that were once occupied by Japan, such as the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Korea, the official adoption of the flag in 1999 caused some concern about Japan's direction.

The flag is not commonly displayed at homes or businesses in Japan, partly because of its links to certain political groups. Some cities have tried to encourage people to fly the flag on special days, but there is no rule requiring it. Japan does not have a law against burning the flag, unlike some other countries.

Protocol

In Japan, the flag is usually shown from sunrise to sunset. Schools and businesses can display it from when they open until they close. When Japan’s flag is shown with another country’s flag, Japan’s flag is placed in the position of honor, and the other flag is shown to its right. Both flags should be the same size and height. If many foreign flags are displayed, Japan’s flag is placed according to the order set by the United Nations. When a flag can no longer be used, it is usually burned privately. Although a law talks about the country’s flag and anthem, it does not say exactly how the flag should be used. Different areas in Japan have made their own rules for displaying the flag.

Since the end of World War II, Japan’s government has encouraged schools to use the country’s flag and anthem. At first, it was suggested but not required. Later, the government said the flag must be used at school events and that students should show respect for it. Schools are now required to raise the flag and have students sing the anthem at important school events, like the beginning and end of the school year. This is to help students feel proud of their country and respect their nation’s symbols. Some people have disagreed with these rules, but most schools now follow them.

Related flags

Main article: List of Japanese flags

See also: Rising Sun Flag

The Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force use a special flag called the Rising Sun Flag. This flag shows the sun with eight red rays coming out from it.

There is also a flag with the sun and 16 red rays, used by Japan's military in the past. This flag was first used in 1870 and was used until 1945. It was used again in 1954 and is still used today by some parts of Japan's military. Some people in nearby countries remember this flag from history and have strong feelings about it.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force uses a simple sun design as its emblem. The flag of this group has a blue background with a gold eagle, stars, the moon, the sun, and clouds.

Although not an official flag, one special flag played an important role in Japanese naval history. Admiral Tōgō raised this flag before a big battle in 1905, and it inspired his crew to win.

Beginning in 1870, special flags were made for the Japanese Emperor and the imperial family. The Emperor's flag shows a gold flower in the center of a red background. The Empress uses a similar flag but with a different shape. Other members of the imperial family use flags with smaller flowers and white borders.

The flower has been linked with the Emperor since the 12th century but became the main symbol in 1868.

Each of the 47 areas in Japan, called prefectures, has its own flag. Like the national flag, these flags show a symbol on a colored background. For example, Hiroshima uses a flag that looks like the national flag. Some prefecture flags show the name of the place in Japanese writing, while others show a picture of something special about that place.

Cities can also have their own flags. These flags also show a symbol on a colored background. For example, the flag of Amakusa in Kumamoto Prefecture shows a letter surrounded by waves on a white background.

Besides the military flags, a few other flags were inspired by Japan's flag. The old flag of Japan Post showed the sun with a red line in the middle. It was later changed to a red postal mark on a white background.

Two newer country flags look similar to Japan's flag. Bangladesh has a green flag with a red circle that stands for the blood given to create their country. Palau has a blue flag with a yellow full moon, which stands for peace and a new nation.

The flag of the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun also uses parts of the sun design. This flag is often seen at a big baseball tournament because the newspaper sponsors it.