Japanese Flag

Japanese Flag

The Flag of Japan - Description of the Japanese Flag

As the above picture of the Japanese Flag indicates the overall background is white

The description of the Japanese Flag is as follows:

White with a large red disk (representing the sun without rays) in the center

According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the Japanese flag represent the following:

White - peace and honesty

Red - hardiness, bravery, strength & valour

The basic style shown in the picture of the Japanese flag is described as Emblem - reflecting the central design of the flag pattern

All Flag pictures depict flags flying, from the viewer's point of view, from left to right

The shape and flag ratio of the Japanese flag is described as 2:3 ( length 1½ times the height )

The Meaning & History of the Japanese Flag

The Japanese large red disc emblem represents the sun

It is referred to as the Hinomaru

Legend says that the flag originates in the 13th century when a Buddhist priest called Nichiren

offered the sun disc flag to the Emperor of Japan in honour of the sun goddess Amaterasu who was believed to have been the Emperor's ancestor

Shoguns displayed the 'sun flag' on the Japanese ships during the 16th and 17th centuries

The name Japan, or Nippon, means "The origin of the sun" and is often translated as "The Land of the Rising Sun"

The Japanese national flag was adopted on August 13, 1999