Japan

Nisshoki

The flag of Japan is one of the more simple designs, and yet one of the most recognisable. Nisshoki translates as “The sun-mark flag.” However, it is more commonly referred to as Hinomaru which translates as “The Sun disc.”

The sun disc pattern began to emerge as an emblem used by the Samurai in early Japan’s history. Then in the Meiji Restoration the Sun Disc, and the Rising Sun Ensign for the navy became important parts of Japans propaganda. 

The perception of the flag in Japan varies widely. For some, it is a source of pride due to its long history, famously being used by a Warlord as he defeated the Mongolian invasion of Japan. The flag IS Japan, and nothing else will do. However, for many, use of the flag is uncomfortable because of its association with extreme nationalism, and its usage during the Second World War.

It is also very contentious in the island of Okinawa as a sign of Okinawa’s past, what happened on the island during the war, and then during the American occupation after the war. It is also viewed with a degree of distaste by other foreign nationals who live in nations that suffered during the War. However, the Japanese by and large appreciate it, and the majority of the world powers see it as in integral part of Japans identity and cannot be replaced.

Use of the sun-disc logo cannot be traced back to an exact date, however, the use of the sun - disc can be traced back as far as 607. The Daimyo in the 16th Century used the sun-disc in various forms on their personal banners, then in 1854 during the Tokugawa Shogunate, ships where ordered to fly the Hinomaru to differentiate them from foreign vessels visiting Japan.

Then, in 1870, it was designated as the merchant flag for Japan, as well as becoming Japans first national flag from 1870 to 1885. National symbols where seen as very strange to the Japanese who knew THEY where Japanese and where used to the class system and being associated with their local clans. However, Japan needed national symbols since by now, it had opened its doors and was communicating with the outside world. However, many rules where scrapped in 1885, ending the Hinomaru as the national flag, however, it remained the de facto national flag.

Use of the flag was severely curtailed after the war, with General Douglas MacArthur having to give permission if someone wanted to fly one. Then, in 1947, with the ratification of a new constitution, the flag was allowed to fly over national government buildings, then a following year later, it was allowed to be flown by the public on national holidays. Finally, in 1949 the rules where relaxed completely. 

Because the flag was only the de facto flag, it could be amended at will. And has been, for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, when the sun disc was enlarged slightly to make it easier to see in amongst other flags. Also, its colour was amended, as well as its position on the flag. Being placed at two thirds the length of the flag. The flag was touched up for the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998 as well.

Finally, in 1999, the flag was recognised, and made into the national flag of Japan. The disc was also returned to dead centre of the flag. 

This has not ended the controversy that roils in Japan over the flag. Many see it as the symbol of Japan, a widely held belief. However, there is a significant minority that sees the flag as a sign of Japans imperialistic, warlike past. There have been protests over the flying of the flag. It is a debate that looks like continuing until the new generation of Japanese decide the flags fate.