Flag of Japan
The national flag of Japan consists of a white field with a large red disk at the center. Its official name in Japanese is “Nisshōki “or “sun flag.” However, the flag is more commonly known as “Hinomaru” or “sun disk.”
Specifications
The Prime Minister’s Proclamation No. 57 passed in 1870 defined the provisions for the specifications of the flag:
- Ratio: 7 units high and 10 units wide (7:10);
- Red disk: 3/5 of the total size of the hoist length;
- Disk placement: 1/100 of the flag width towards the hoist.
Slight changes on the dimensions of the flag were made with the passing of the Law Concerning the National Flag and Anthem on August 13, 1999. These included:
- Ratio: overall ratio is 2 units length by 3 units width (2:3(;
- Disk location: shifted towards dead center.
Symbolism
As Japan’s name translates to “The Land of the Rising Sun,” the circle in the center of the flag represents the sun. The white field represents honesty and purity while the red disk is a sun symbol that signifies brightness, sincerity, and warmth.
History
Before World War II
The sun has always had a religious connotation in Japan. This also means that the rising sun had always held an important symbolic meaning. References to sovereign monarchs as descendants of the rising sun have been found in history. Some legends trace the origins of the flag to the Buddhist priest, Nichiren, who gave a sun banner to the shogun to carry in battle against the invading Mongols. In spite of these, the origins of the Hinomaru are still unknown.
The earliest record of the use of flags dates back from the unification period. Flags were often used by a Daimyo to represent itself in battle. These flags were often long banners charged with the “mon” of the Daimyo.
From 1870 to 1885, the Hinomaru was legally used as the national flag. It became the de facto national flag after the Meiji Restoration.
Post World War II
Throughout the Second World War and the early years of the American occupation, the Hinomaru was used as the de facto flag of Japan. Restrictions were placed on the display of the Hinomaru during the early years of the occupation. These restrictions were relaxed in 1948 and all together abandoned in January 1949.
The Hinomaru was finally adopted as the national flag on August 13, 1999 with the passing of the Law Concerning the National Flag and Anthem.
