Hinomaru: National Flag of Japan

Japan is also known as ” the Land of the Rising Sun” , but do you know why? The sun is an important symbol of the nation’s origin story. Its importance is reflected in its national flag, the Hinomaru , which has a red “sun” on a white background.

A national flag is usually designed taking into account how it will represent a nation in the coming years and in its future, taking into account its colors and symbolism of these and Japan’s is no exception.

The national flag of Japan is a rectangular white base with a large red disk in the center. His name is Nisshoki , although he is more commonly known as Hinomaru , which means ” circle of the sun “. The disc’s color is not just red, but deep red (or crimson), which is said to represent vitality and passion , while white represents purity and honesty .

This flag was adopted as the national flag of Japan in the 1870s, although it became officially known as the national flag in 1999 , which is quite surprising given how long it has been used.

The sun goddess Amaterasu is believed to have been the founder of Japan in the 7th century and was a direct ancestor of Kow-yamato-iware-hiko No Mikoto , also known as Jimmu , who is believed to have been the first emperor of Japan . Even today the emperor is considered a “ Son of the Sun ” and many people know that Japan is called “ Land of the Rising Sun ”.

The first use of the flag is not known for certain, but may be as early as the year 600, although it may not be exactly the same as it appears today.

As mentioned above, the flag was adopted as the flag of Japan in 1854, but it was not until the flag law was passed that it was officially granted the status of a national flag in 1999.

So, as we just explained, the national flag of Japan is the one with a red disk on a white background, but there is another flag associated with Japan. The “rising sun” flag also has a red disk on a white background but with sixteen red rays, essentially forming a red sun.

It has been used as a symbol of celebration and good luck in Japan in the past, even today. However, the rising sun flag controversy stems from the fact that it was used as a symbol of the Japanese military during World War II .

The flag of Japan is mostly displayed on government buildings today. Schools may have them and are often seen at big events like graduations or commencement ceremonies.

As part of the celebration for the new emperor ‘s coronation, people waved the Hinomaru flag to greet him as his caravan passed through the streets.

At the national level, when Japan hosts another country as a guest, the flag of Japan flies in the left corner followed by the flags of the invited countries waving on the right and when there are many countries as guests, their flags are raised in alphabetical order. according to the United Nations protocol.

Izumo Taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture is home to the country’s largest Japanese national flag . It measures 9 meters by 13.6 meters and flutters at a height of 47 meters, making an impressive display in an already historic shrine.

If you’d be interested in seeing Japan’s oldest flag , you can find it at the Unpoji Temple in Koshu , Yamanashi Prefecture. The flag is believed to date from the 11th century and was offered to the temple by Emperor Go-Reizei .

The composition of the Japanese flag (white background and a red circle in the center) is also carried to lunches. You’ve probably seen in anime or other media, bento or Japanese style lunches with rice with a pickled plum called “umeboshi” in the middle. This is said to represent the flag of Hinomaru.

The national flag of Japan is one that can be recognized by most people around the world. The flag has its own history and tradition and now, the flag of Japan represents the Japanese people, celebration and peace.