The Japanese Flags

The national flag of Japan has a crimson disc, symbolizing the sun, in a center of a white field. It is popularly known as the hinomaru (literally, "sun disc"). References to this design date back to the thirteenth century.

In 1870, the "sun disc" flag was officially adopted for use on merchant and navy ships. It has never been officially designated the national flag, but it has assumed that role by customary use.

The "rising sun" flag, with sixteen rays (better known for it's representation of Japan in WWII), is a military flag. It shouldn't be confused with the national flag. (During WWII it represented the Japanese military, but the "sun disc" flag was always considered the national flag.) It was used by the former Japanese navy and is presently used by the Maritime Self Defense Forces.

Special Thanks to Ed Duke

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