During the imperial period, the flag of Japan was a white rectangular panel with a red circle in the center of the rectangle and red rays of different lengths and widths extending from it. Outwardly, this image resembles the sun, which refers us to the name of the country.
Used as a national symbol and military banner during the Meiji period from January 27, 1870. Currently, it continues to be used, but not as a national symbol and in a slightly modified version. Photos of the symbolism can be seen below.
What does the Japanese flag look like?
The modern version of the Japanese flag looks like a rectangular white panel with a red circle in the center. The country abandoned the imperial version of the banners, which was presented above, but at the same time retained in the symbolism of the standard the meaning that was invested in it over a long period of time.
A photograph of the modern state symbol of the Japanese country is presented below.
The contrast of white and red colors along with the absence of additional symbolism on the panel makes it memorable.
Official approval of the national flag
The red and white cloth appeared many centuries ago, but began to act as the state flag in the mid-19th century. True, then it had different sizes and proportions: 7x10 and a circle slightly shifted to the left. Now the dimensions of the rectangular flag are 2x3, and the red circle is exactly in the middle. Many institutions use the old-style flag during the raising ceremony, considering it more elegant and elegant. Red and white remain the same colors from the beginning.
In 1870, the Hinomaru was declared the flag of the merchant marine. Until this time, Japanese ships traded with America and Russia and sailed under different types of hinomaru. Now they have been identified. Hinomaru became the first national flag that the country adopted until 1885.
The Japanese flag has a long history; it goes back to a distant time, when one of the great empires was born and united. However, it was only recognized by law as the official symbol of the country in 1999. The date of adoption of the law - August 13 - became the day of the national flag.
What does the flag of Japan mean?
Translated from Japanese, the name of the main state symbol of the country reads as “sun circle”. It is believed that the symbol located in the middle of the cloth represents the rising Sun. The decoding of the Japanese flag by heraldic colors is as follows:
- white color is used to convey pristine purity;
- red color is used to represent the life-giving energy of the Sun.
It is worth noting that the color of the circle often changes since 1999, becoming scarlet; before that the color was darker. The combination of white and red shades in the country is perceived as a sign of happiness and fun. The Japanese are proud of their banner and depict it on household items and clothing.
Interesting Facts
There are several interesting facts associated with the flag of Imperial Japan:
- The development of their own flag for the Japanese became a necessary measure. At that time, in Asian culture, the banner was not perceived as a national insignia. Banners were used only by feudal warriors; the family coat of arms was depicted on the canvases.
- Flag Day in the Land of the Rising Sun is celebrated on August 13. The date when the last design of the panel was approved in 1999.
- Since the day it was first raised, the national symbol has not changed.
- ⅗ of the canvas is allocated for the red circle.
- Taking into account the regulations of 2008, synthetic fabrics - nylon and acrylic - must be used for the manufacture of canvases.
- Damaged paintings should be burned in a private setting.
- The shade of the circle often changes. Initially it was dark red, but after the approval of the latest concept it became scarlet. Sometimes it is replaced with rich red.
- “Hachimaki” - on the heads of the Japanese you can often see a bandage identical to the national flag. The local population considers it a personal talisman. The Japanese believe that the bandage helps prevent misfortunes and gives strength to pregnant women, athletes before competitions, and students.
- During World War II, a special Japanese tradition arose - the use of the Japanese standard as a commemorative postcard. Postcards with wishes were considered a protective amulet and were sent to the warring Japanese. A prerequisite is that the inscriptions were located outside the “luminary”.
- China and Korea are countries where hanging a Japanese banner is considered an insult to the nation, since at one time they experienced Japanese aggression.
In the Land of the Rising Sun, hinomaru still remains the main state symbol. The canvas not only recalls the spirituality and geographical location of Japan, but also allowed the state to strengthen its position among other world powers. The rising sun has long been respected by the Japanese, who attach special importance to it and believe in the miraculous abilities of the banner.
Japanese Navy flag: photo
You can see the flag of the Japanese Navy in the photo below.
Note that it is very similar to the imperial version of the banner, but some differences are still present. So, among them we can highlight:
- changed location of the red circle on the banner. If in the imperial symbols the circle was placed in the middle, then in the Japanese Navy standard it is shifted to the left;
- the white and red stripes are shorter than those on the imperial version of the country's standard.
There are usually sixteen stripes representing the rays of the sun.
The connection between the state flag and the historical symbols of the Imperial Court.
The coat of arms is considered one of the important symbols of each state, but Japan is an exception to global standards and therefore this country does not have official coat of arms. The main role was played, of course, by the development of the state, isolated from the outside world, in which such a thing as a coat of arms simply did not exist.
As you know, the very concept of a coat of arms goes back to the Middle Ages. For the first time, coat of arms symbols began to be used by knightly orders, then this tradition spread throughout Europe, as well as in connection with the Crusades and among eastern countries. Isolated from the outside world, Japan was not aware of the traditions of Europe until the middle of the 19th century, but there was still an official symbol. The image of a sixteen-petalled chrysanthemum flower with petals in two rows was the emblem of the Imperial House for many centuries, and since all military forces were subordinate only to the emperor, as the supreme military leader, we can say that the symbolism of the ruling council was the coat of arms. The official name of this symbol is “kikukamonosho”, which literally means “coat of arms in the form of a chrysanthemum flower.”
The history of this emblem dates back to the reign of Emperor Kakamura (1183-1198). According to legend, this ruler had a special affinity for chrysanthemum flowers and used the image of the flower as a personal seal; this tradition was continued by subsequent rulers. Thus, the symbol of the chrysanthemum was firmly entrenched in the official symbolism of the imperial dynasty. The shape of the flower inscribed in a circle has a close connection with the solar disk, which is traditionally identified with the imperial family.
Official recognition
The official recognition of the sixteen-petalled chrysanthemum as a symbol of the ruling emperor dates back to 1869, which is a year later than the adoption of the state red and white flag. In 1871, in connection with the empire's significant role on the world stage, a decree was issued banning the use of the coat of arms by persons not belonging to the imperial family. As the official symbol of the Great Japanese Empire, the coat of arms of the imperial family was depicted on the bows of warships during the Second World War, after which the ban on the use of symbols by non-members of the Imperial House was lifted. Now the order in the form of a chrysanthemum is the highest state award, and this symbol is also depicted on the international passports of Japanese citizens.
For the peoples of Japan, chrysanthemum is a kind of personification of wisdom and prosperity. Her image has a direct connection with the sun located on the country’s flag. One of the most ancient legends is associated with this beautiful flower. According to legend, the powerful Chinese emperor learned about a miraculous flower growing nearby and decided to create an elixir of longevity from its juice. But only a person with a kind heart and soul could pick this flower. Therefore, the emperor gathered the most sensitive and responsive young men and women and sent them to collect chrysanthemums. The people who came were fascinated by the beauty of the flower. They did not carry out the order of the emperor, but remained in the new territory, where they founded a new country - Japan.
The flag and coat of arms of Japan go far back to the origins of a great and united empire. The test of time has proven the attachment of its people to historically formed symbols. The flag of the country of Japan, represented by the most ancient canvas with the symbol of the solar disk, is kept on the territory of the Umpo-Ji fortress, located in Yamanashi Prefecture. This banner is considered a valuable relic belonging to the Takeda clan and is over a thousand years old. The history of the ancient flag of the land of the rising sun is shrouded in no fewer legends than the history of the origin of official symbols, according to one of them, the flag of the Takeda clan belonged to the leader of the Yoshimitsu clan, who in turn received it as a gift from Emperor Go-Ryozei.
The Japanese armed forces had their own flag, somewhat different from the one that symbolized the empire. A similar red circle was depicted on a white background. The difference was the presence of arrows extending from it, like the rays of the sun. There were sixteen of these arrows. And this is no coincidence. This number was a reference to the imperial power of the country.
Today, the flag of Japan appears before us in its original form and has the same functions as before.
What is the modern flag of the Japanese Navy based on?
From the photographs it is noticeable that the modern flag of the Japanese Navy was created on the basis of the banner of the empire, since its changes are insignificant. It is worth noting that the Navy and Navy are equivalent concepts here, since the term Navy is applicable only on the territory of the Russian Federation. The naval flag of the Japanese state evokes negative emotions among representatives of states that suffered from Japanese terror.
No changes are expected in the country's state symbols - it is important for the Japanese to preserve their history and culture.
History of the creation of the flag
The flag was designed by Buddhist monks. One of them, Nichiren, presented such a banner to the shogun as a blessing, a sign of the fight against the Mongol invasion. The idea to create a flag arose under the influence of the legend about the origin of the Japanese imperial family from the sun goddess Amaterasu. The sun goddess is one of the main deities.
According to Shinto beliefs (Shinto is the dominant religion in the country), all Japanese emperors are direct descendants of gods. The Japanese believe that when the ruling dynasty changes, replacing her family, the sun goddess will turn away from them. Then the inhabitants of the country will experience terrible torment.
The appearance of the flag happened in the 13th century, when the country experienced a Mongol invasion. The idea was to unite all the emperor's subjects under the created flag.
The Japanese flag is known by two names: Hinomaru - sun disk, Nisshoki - solar flag. If there is a national flag, each prefecture also has its own flag.
Flag of Nazi Japan
The imperial version of the Japanese flag is considered offensive to South Korea and China, since these countries have fresh memories of what happened during the Japanese occupation of these countries during World War II. Let us remember that Japan was a country that supported fascist ideology, and during the period of active hostilities it managed to commit serious violations of human rights and freedoms. One of the most famous historical facts is the use of Korean and Chinese women to satisfy the carnal needs of Japanese soldiers. In such camps there were both adult women and teenagers from 9-10 years old (possibly younger).
Story
The history of the formation of the flag of Japan (another name is “Hinomaru”) has its roots in the distant past and begins in the 13th century. This stage is characterized by a military conflict with Mongolia. The canvas was presented to the Japanese ruler and was intended for the battle with the Mongols. The image of the sun recalled the origin of the ruler from Amaterasu, the sun goddess.
In the 16th century military leaders used the Japanese banner as a talisman. It was believed that Emperor Jimmu won the battle at the moment when the solar disk was located behind him and blinded the enemy troops with its rays. The commanders firmly believed in the symbol of the sun and always held banners behind their troops.
In the 19th century, the hinomaru began to be used by state ships of Japan. The concept of the first banner appeared in 1868; the canvas was presented in white, depicting a red circle with sixteen rays.
Towards a modern image
The flag of Imperial Japan first received the status of a state symbol in 1870. The emblem of that period is similar to the modern design, but the shape of the canvas was more elongated. The current aspect ratio is 7:10. The red circle was not exactly centered, but was shifted 1% to the left.
This was the reign of Emperor Meiji. The period is characterized by dramatic changes and reforms, when in a short period of time the country became one of the largest world powers. The development of the concept of a state standard has become a necessary measure for organizing communication with other states.
However, in 1885, the hinomaru lost its status as a state symbol. The innovations did not in any way affect the practical use of the cloth.
Four years later, the navy banner appeared. Against the background of a white canvas there was a red “luminary” with sixteen rays. However, the circle was not placed in the center, but shifted to the left.
Flag of Japan during World War II
Particular importance was attached to the national standard during the war. The canvas was raised during the military conflict with Russia and armed confrontation with Asian states (Mongolia, China). In the occupied lands, the Japanese hung a white and red banner in order to form the patriotic values of the people. They raised the banner not only on the streets, but also in educational institutions. Next to the fluttering hinomaru, children hummed the Japanese anthem.
Around the world, the rising banner was compared to fascist symbols. Just as the swastika of Nazi Germany reminded Europeans of the invasion.
The flag of a militaristic country during the Second World War is firmly entrenched in the memory of the Japanese and the world community. After the end of the war, the symbols of Japan aroused only hostility. The general rejection of the colors and emblem of the flag gave rise to many disputes, but the country prioritized issues of economic and social development. Therefore, no one addressed the issue of changing the state symbol.
Flying the national flag has been banned in Japan since 1945, as the country came under US control after losing World War II. Only the American military administration gave permission to raise the banner. The situation changed 4 years after the lifting of occupation restrictions.
In the early 90s, the question arose of returning the “luminary” to the status of a state symbol, since society demanded that the banner be raised at ceremonies.
The official status of the flag was secured in 1999. At the same time, the “Law on the State Flag” was published, which is still relevant today. The drawing has changed slightly, its size has increased. The circle was again placed in the center. The proportions of the modern version of the canvas were 2:3.
Prefectural flags
Each modern prefecture has a unique flag, most often a two-color geometric, highly stylized design (), often incorporating letters from the Japanese writing system and resembling company logos. What makes these flags special is that they use a palette of colors not typically found in flags, including orange, purple, aquamarine and brown.
Some prefectures also have alternative official flags called "character flags". (シンボル). They can be used on less formal occasions. Flags with famous symbols include one used in Tokyo.
| Flag | Prefecture | Geocode | Description |
| Aichi | JP-23 | Stylized hiragana from あいち ( Aichi ). The emblem also features a sunrise and a wave, indicating Aichi's location opposite the Pacific Ocean. | |
| Akita | JP-05 | Stylized katakana of ア ( a ), the first syllable of the word "Akita". | |
| Aomori | JP-02 | Stylized map of the prefecture. | |
| Chiba | JP-12 | Stylized katakana チバ ( Chiba ). Blue stands for hope and progress, yellow for the prefectural flower, the rapeseed. | |
| Ehime | JP-38 | Yellow means happiness, green means peace, and white means simplicity and purity. Mon represents the orange flower, the prefectural flower. | |
| Fukui | JP-18 | Stylized katakana フクイ ( Fukui ). The emblem symbolizes the harmony and cooperation of people. | |
| Fukuoka | JP-40 | Stylized hiragana ふく ( fuku ). It also represents ume (plum), the prefectural flower. | |
| Fukushima | JP-07 | Stylized hiragana ふ ( fu ). | |
| Gifu | JP-21 | Stylized kanji 岐 ( ji ). The emblem expresses peace and harmony. The color green symbolizes the nature of Gifu. | |
| Gunma | JP-10 | Stylized kanji 群 ( gun ) and three crescent moons representing the three mountains Mount Akagi, Mount Haruna and Mount Myōgi. Purple was chosen as a sophisticated color in keeping with Gunma's cultural heritage. | |
| Hiroshima | JP-34 | Stylized katakana ヒ ( Hello ). | |
| Hokkaido | JP-01 | The seven-pointed star symbolizes hope and development. Blue represents the sea and sky of Hokkaido, red represents the energy of the people, and white represents light and snow. | |
| Hyogo | JP-28 | Stylized kanji ( hy ). It also features a stylized map of the prefecture facing the Seto Inland Sea and the Sea of Japan. | |
| Ibaraki | JP-08 | The prefectural flower rose on a blue field. Blue means the Pacific Ocean and Mount Tsukuba. | |
| Ishikawa | JP-17 | Mon is a stylized form of his name in kanji, ( Ishikawa ). A stylized map of the prefecture is also presented. | |
| Iwate | JP-03 | Stylized kanji ( Iwa ), symbolizing progressive progress. | |
| Kagawa | JP-37 | A stylized and slightly rotated katakana カ ( ka ). It also depicts mountains and the leaves of the olive tree, the prefectural tree. | |
| Kagoshima | JP-46 | Stylized map of the prefecture, with Sakurajima in the center. | |
| Kanagawa | JP-14 | Stylized kanji 神 ( ka ). The Japanese national colors were chosen because the seaport of Yokohama, long used as the main gateway to Japan, is located within the prefecture. | |
| Karafuto | No data | Stylized kanji 太 ( Futo ) in the form of three birch leaves 樺 (kaba) and fruits making up the rebus 樺太 (Karafuto). Used from 1911–1945; the territory is now part of Russia. | |
| Kochi | JP-39 | Stylized hiragana とさ ( Tōsa ), the name of the former province. Mon also includes katakana with a 90 degree rotation コ ( ko ). | |
| Kumamoto | JP-43 | Stylized katakana ク ( ku ). It also features a stylized map of Kyushu. | |
| Kyoto | JP-26 | Stylized kanji ( kyo ). | |
| Mie | JP-24 | Stylized hiragana み ( mi ). The circle also represents pearls mined in the prefecture. | |
| Miyagi | JP-04 | Stylized hiragana み ( mi ). It also represents Miyaginohagi (lespedeza), the prefectural flower. | |
| Miyazaki | JP-45 | Stylized katakana ミ ( mi ). | |
| Nagano | JP-20 | The orange flag with the white monster is closer to the lift. Mon is a stylized katakana ( na ). It also depicts mountains reflected on a lake. | |
| Nagasaki | JP-42 | Stylized form of the letter N. It also represents the dove, a symbol of peace. There are two versions: one with the name of the prefecture in kanji, the other without it. Both are official. | |
| Nara | JP-29 | Stylized katakana ナ ( na ). | |
| Niigata | JP-15 | The symbol on top is the stylized kanji for Niigata's 新 ( nii ), and the left half of the circle is the stylized katakana for ガ ( ga ) and right ( ta ). | |
| ŌitaŌita | JP-44 | Three stylized kanji 大 ( ō ). Each kanji also represents a flying bird, and the entire symbol represents the sun. There are two versions: one with the name of the prefecture in kanji, the other without it. Both are official. | |
| Okayama | JP-33 | Stylized kanji ( oka ). The simplified version uses a white symbol instead of gold. | |
| Okinawa | JP-47 | White letter O inside a red disk on a white field. | |
| Saka | JP-27 | Blue symbolizes purity, freshness and intelligence, and also represents the sky and sea due to the fact that the city of Osaka has an airport and seaport. Blue also represents Osaka's nickname. water city , due to the presence of many rivers and access to two seas. Mon represents the hookah, the symbol of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The circles also describe the letter O. | |
| Saga | JP-41 | Mon Japanese cinnamon, prefectural flower. | |
| Saitama | JP-11 | Sixteen Magatama (ornamental beads) representing the sun, as well as development and strength. Magatama were found in Sakitama Kofun (ancient tombs), Gyda, from which the name of the prefecture is derived. White symbolizes purity and friendship. | |
| Shiga | JP-25 | Stylized katakana シガ ( Shiga ). The circle in the center represents Lake Biwa. | |
| Shimane | JP-32 | Four stylized katakana マ ( ma ). In Japanese, "four" means shi . | |
| Shizuoka | JP-22 | Stylized map of the prefecture and Mount Fuji. Blue symbolizes the sky and the Pacific Ocean, and orange symbolizes sunlight, passion and unity of people. | |
| Tochigi | JP-09 | Stylized kanji ( Tochi ) and kanji 木 ( ji ) with three arrows. The flag represents improvement and active movement. | |
| Tokushima | JP-36 | Stylized hiragana とく ( toku ). It also represents a bird in flight. | |
| Tokyo | JP-13 | The sun represents the developing capital of Tokyo. This is the official "capital flag" used on official occasions. See Tokyo Insignia for details. | |
| The symbol in the center consists of three arcs combined to resemble a ginkgo leaf and represent the T for Tokyo.[2] This is the official "flag symbol" and is used more often than the flag (coat of arms) above. See Tokyo Insignia for details. This symbol is also intended for the Metro Toei logo. | |||
| Tottori | JP-31 | The symbol is intended to represent hiragana と ( k ) and bird ( tori ) to form the Tottori rebus. | |
| Toyama | JP-16 | The symbol is intended to represent hiragana と ( k ) and two mountains ( yama ) to form Toyama's rebus. He also represents Mount Tateyama. | |
| Wakayama | JP-30 | Stylized katakana ワ ( wa ). | |
| Yamagata | JP-06 | Three mountains ( pit ). The shape also represents the flow of the Mogami River passing through Yamagata. Blue symbolizes the desire for peace and ideals, white - snow and the purity of people. | |
| Yamaguchi | JP-35 | Stylized kanji ( Yamaguchi ). The emblem represents a bird flying towards the sun and symbolizes cooperation and progress of people. | |
| Yamanashi | JP-19 | Stylized kanji 山 ( yama ) in the center of Mount Fuji. Purple represents grapes, a popular product of Yamanashi. |
Modern Japanese flag
In 1999, the white and red disk was first documented as a state sign. At the same time, the “Law on the National Flag” was issued, which is in force to this day. The image of the drawing has changed. Heraldry specialists increased its size and placed it in the center. The proportions have also changed - to a more harmonious 2:3.
Flag of Japan, adopted in 1999
The war flag, which once served as the basis for the Japanese national flag, is still in use today. It is still decorated with red rays. The navy flag has 16, while the Japanese Army symbol has 8 rays.
Japanese flag with eight rays
Flower meanings and symbolism
The flag in Japan is not only a state symbol, but also a sign of good luck, happiness, and joy. The red circle was depicted on kimonos and samurai fans. Japanese soldiers during World War II wore white hachimaki headbands with the symbol of the Sun to maintain morale. Such headbands distinguished Teishintai suicide warriors.
Meaning of flag elements:
| Name | Description |
| Sun | Feminine |
| Red color | Peace, family well-being, prosperity |
| White color | Divinity, fortitude and chastity |
Aka red and shiro white are the main colors in Japan. Shades of red are popular in the country. The roofs of Japanese temples are painted this color, as it is believed to ward off evil spirits. Therefore, the red Sun on the flag acts as a talisman. In Japanese kabuki theater productions, red makeup symbolizes the justice of the characters.
Emperors wore white clothes to visit the temple. In Shinto wedding rites, the color is traditional for the bride's attire. For Japanese Buddhists, white is a mourning color. The Japanese flag has acquired deadly significance for countries that fell during the country's aggressive policy.
Hinomaru is a national symbol of patriotism. With a banner in their hands, the Japanese celebrated their victory in the war with the Chinese. Nowadays, hachimaki with the emblem of the Sun are worn by athletes and chefs to prevent sweat and hair from getting in the way. Japanese students believe that the rising Sun on their headband will help them prepare well for exams.
Minorities
| Flag | date | Use | Description |
| (1996) 1994–[need a quote ] | Flag of Mindan | Flag of Mindan, pro-organization Zainichi Koreans. The pink flower surrounding the daegeuk is the Syrian hibiscus, the national flower of South Korea. The official name of the society ( Zainihon Daikanminkoku Mindan ) is written in kanji in white, while the abbreviation ( Mindan ) is written in Hangul in yellow. The blue field of the flag means clear skies and seas. | |
| 1923–1945[need a quote ] | Flag of the National Levellers Association/Buraku Liberation League | Flag of the National Levelers Association, a Burakumin human rights group and the Buraku Liberation League, a successor group of the NLA. Called the Crown of Thorns Flag (荊冠en, Keikanki). Black represents a dark society with discrimination. The color red represents blood. | |
| 1945–[need a quote ] | Flag of the Buraku Liberation League | The current flag of the Buraku Liberation League with a white star representing hope. |
Cultural flags
| Flag | date | Use | Description |
| 1919– | Safety flag | Named Green Cross (緑十字, Midori-zuji). Created by Toshifumi Gamo as a symbol of the government's "Safety Week" campaign. The cross symbolizes charity in the Western sense and a place where good deeds gather in the Eastern sense. JIS Z9103-1986 designates this symbol as a safety sign. | |
| 1953– | Industrial hygiene flag | Announced by the Labor Standards Bureau of the Japanese Ministry of Labor (currently the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) by open subscription. | |
| 1965– | Safety and health flag | Developed by the Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association. These three flags are often displayed at factories or construction sites. | |
| 1886– | Postal flag | Postal symbol, , on a white field. |
The most honored place in a Japanese home is called the kamiza.
Camisa is the place furthest from the front door. According to Japanese etiquette, the most important guest is seated on the kamiza. The place closest to the door is called "shimoza", and it is the least honorable. In the past, the seat by the door was considered the most dangerous in case of a surprise attack, and also the coldest, since the guest had to sit in a draft.
Photo: Shell Ghostcage / Pixabay
There are "girl mothers" in Japan
Gyaru mothers wear provocative clothes, use bright makeup, have elaborate hairstyles and try their best to look youthful. However, they are often criticized for being childish and a bad example for children, giving the wrong idea of beauty. Like many others, this subculture is divided into smaller branches with their own rules regarding appearance, but in general, all gyaru strive to resemble young dolls.
Gyaru
