Japan Flag PNG
Japan is a distinctive and unique country called the Land of the Rising Sun. This incredible country is known for its unique culture and strong respect for tradition. The historical and social formation of Japan is inextricably linked to the symbol of the sun. It is based on the image of the sun that traditions were born here. And the flag of Japan is a tribute to the heavenly luminary and a visual expression of the values of this great country and its people.
In this article, we will plunge into the history of the Japanese flag and explain in more detail the symbolism of its minimalist design. After all, as we know, in Japanese culture even the smallest touch hides a deep meaning.
History of the Flag
The sign of the rising sun has been used in Japanese symbolism since ancient times, however, the exact origin of the design of the official flag of Japan is unknown. By the way, the Japanese often call the flag Hinomaru, which means “Sun Disk”. Today we will familiarize you with one of the most popular versions of the history of the national flag of this great country.
Japan has been associated with the symbol of the sun since at least the seventeenth century, and most researchers believe that it is related to the country’s nickname, the Land of the Rising Sun.
According to other versions, the circle represents the sun goddess Amaterasu, from whom the imperial family of Japan is said to have descended. Other scholars claim that the white and red symbol was first mentioned in the description of the Genpei War in the epic “Tale of Heike” in the 12th century. The work mentioned warriors who carried fans with drawings of the sun on them. However, let us return to the official data.
In Japan, the first legalized state symbols appeared during the historical upheaval known as the Meiji Restoration. These are the events of 1868 when power in the country was transferred to Emperor Meiji. However, the symbols were not fully formed until a decade later. It was then that the first edicts were issued to define and regularize the design and use of state symbols. In fact, the reason for this step was Japan’s need to build political and economic relations with the West.
So, the Flag of Japan, also called the Hinomaru, became official in the late 1860s as a trade flag and was the first national flag adopted in Japan from 1870 to 1885. The flag was also used by soldiers during military actions to expand the territory of the empire, as well as in occupied lands.
In Japan itself, the Hinomaru flag was first used in an official ceremony in 1872. This happened on the occasion of the opening of the first railroad in the country by Emperor Meiji of Japan.
The use of the flag was banned during the occupation of Japan after World War II until 1947 when the ban began to be lifted.
On August 13, 1999, a law was passed establishing the Japanese Hinomaru flag as the country’s official national flag. Adopted in the nineteenth century, the banner existed in its original form until 1999, when the color of the red circle was slightly changed.
By the way, in 1868, the Japanese army also had its distinctive sign – a red sun on a white background. The red disk was decorated with sixteen rays. The military flag, which once served as the basis for the Japanese national flag, is still in use today. It is still decorated with red rays. On the flag of the navy, there are 16 of them, and the symbol of the land forces of Japan has 8 rays.
Meaning of Symbols and Colors
The simple yet spectacular design of the Japanese Flag recognizable worldwide has the most minimalistic design possible and features an image of a red disk in the center of a white rectangle. Hinomaru’s colors, shapes, and proportions are precisely defined. “The sun” in the center is painted in a color called beni iro, which resembles a purple sunset that would be seen in Japan. The diameter of the sun is 1/5 of the total height of the flag, positioned exactly in the center. The background is simple – crystal clear white.
The sun has always been the symbol of the country. The Japanese believe that the emperor of the state is a direct descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu-Omikami. Therefore, the entire culture of the empire is based on solar symbolism. So, the Red Circle on a white background represents the sun, which gives light and life to everything in the world. In addition, Asians believe that since Japan is located in the east, the sun rises over the world from its side. It is with this that the most famous nickname of this state – “The Land of the Rising Sun” – is connected.
The colors for the flag, red and white, were not chosen by chance. Red in Shintoism symbolizes the purifying energy of fire and the sun, with the help of which evil spirits are expelled, and white is the color that represents the purity of thoughts and nobility. According to another version, red life-giving solar energy, and white – pristine purity. And in Japan, the combination of red and white is considered the color of happiness and fun.
Use of the Flag
Today, Japan’s national flag is mostly seen during official ceremonies and national holidays. It is also raised when receiving state guests from abroad, such as ministers and presidents.
In everyday life, the flag is usually only seen raised in front of government buildings, they are rarely seen in private homes.
As for Japan’s military flag, its use is still offensive in Asian countries such as China and South Korea.
Coat of Arms
In fact, Japan does not have a national coat of arms; as such, the emperor’s coat of arms is often used – a yellow chrysanthemum consisting of 16 double petals, which also symbolizes the sun. This image is also known as the Imperial Seal of Japan.
The chrysanthemum was introduced to Japan from China and became a symbol of happiness and wisdom. Since ancient times, the Japanese associated this flower with the sun, and in this context, it is worth remembering that the unofficial name of Japan is the Land of the Rising Sun.
By the way, it is the Imperial Seal of Japan on the cover of the passports of Japanese residents.
