Japanese flag

The red circle symbolizes the sun, reflecting Japan's identity as the 'Land of the Rising Sun.' The white background represents purity and honesty, while the red circle (hinomaru) represents the sun, brightness, and sincerity. The simple yet powerful design embodies Japanese values and the nation's connection to the sun as a source of life and energy.

The sun-circle symbol has centuries of history in Japan. In the 12th century, during power struggles between the Minamoto and Taira clans, samurai warriors (bushi) often painted sun circles on folding fans called gunsen. During the Warring States period (15th–16th centuries), hinomaru symbols were used on military banners, notably at the Battle of Sekigahara (1600). The use as a national symbol dates back to Toyotomi Hideyoshi (late 1500s) and Tokugawa Ieyasu (early 1600s), who used it on trading ships. In the 17th century, artwork from Edo (modern-day Tokyo) shows ships carrying the shogun with the hinomaru displayed prominently. Despite Japan's sakoku policy (1639–1854) that restricted trade, the Hinomaru returned to foreign waters in 1854 as Japan reopened to international trade with the U.S. and Russia. Influenced by Shimazu Nariakira, the Tokugawa shogunate mandated Japanese ships fly the Hinomaru banner to distinguish them from foreign vessels. The famous Kanrinmaru flew the flag on its mission to the U.S. in 1860.

A red circle (disc) centered on a white rectangular background. The disc placement is perfectly centered both horizontally and vertically. The disc size has a diameter that is three-fifths the height of the flag. The design follows a minimalist approach with only two colors: red for the sun circle and white for the background, creating a clean and instantly recognizable symbol.

After the Meiji government made it official in 1870, the flag quickly gained popularity among families and businesses who began flying it on national holidays. The flag is displayed on government buildings and commercial ships as mandated by official proclamations. Standard respectful handling and display protocols apply, with the flag serving as a symbol of Japanese national identity and pride during official ceremonies and national celebrations.