The flag of Japan has a long and storied history. Known as the Hinomaru (meaning “circle of the sun”), Japan’s national flag depicts a red circle on a white background. This iconic design has origins dating back centuries, to Japan’s feudal era and earlier. Determining the exact origins and evolution of Japan’s flag has been a point of scholarly debate. But examining the historical record reveals how Japan’s early flags and banners influenced the Hinomaru’s distinctive and symbolic design.
Early Flags and Banners of Old Japan
Japan’s early history features various symbols and standards used by rival feudal clans and warriors. While an official national flag did not exist, several patterns and motifs emerged in the flags flown by Japan’s regional powers. These provide clues to the origins of the country’s flag.
During Japan’s classical period (794-1185 CE), the powerful Fujiwara clan used a triangular red banner during ceremonies and battles. Red had symbolic meaning in Japan, representing the life force, courage, and vitality. Other clans used similar red banners in battle and rituals. Red banners bearing clan symbols were common sights during this era.
In the 12th century, Japan’s feudal era dawned as the imperial court’s power waned and rival clans and samurai asserted control. Armies rallied behind symbolic banners called sashimono, many featuring clan symbols or animals on colored backdrops. Red remained a common color for sashimono and other battle standards.
| Time Period | Key Flag Developments |
| Classical Japan (794-1185 CE) | Red banners used by Fujiwara clan |
| Feudal Japan (12th century onwards) | Rise of symbolic battle standards (sashimono) |
The symbolic animal most closely associated with old Japan was the dragon. Many feudal lords adopted dragons on their sashimono and other banners. The dragon represented power and good fortune. However, flying the personal symbols of feudal lords was more common than unifying national symbols. Japan lacked a singular national flag during its early history.
Edo Period Flags
It was during the Edo period (1603-1868), when Japan was under the stable rule of the Tokugawa shogunate, that flags and symbols emerged representing Japan as a nation.
The Tokugawa shogunate adopted a crest with a stylized rendition of the “Three Sacred Treasures” – the mirror, sword and jewel – originally part of Japan’s imperial regalia. The emblem featured two Paulownia flowers, which represented the highest level of the Japanese aristocracy. This crest appeared on the war flags flown by the shogun’s armies.
On the high seas, Japanese pirates also asserted their dominance with their own flags. Notorious 17th century Japanese pirate Wang Zhi flew a red flag – later known as the jolly roger – bearing skull and bones. This demonstrated his disregard for treaties banning attacks on Chinese ships.
While no official national flag existed, these maritime and military banners increasingly incorporated symbols seen as distinctly Japanese, such as Paulownia flowers, dragons and sun motifs.
The Hinomaru Symbol Emerges
In 1870, as Japan sought to centralize its feudal domains, the need for national symbols gained prominence. After consolidating power, Emperor Meiji’s advisors recommended an official national flag. Several designs were considered, many integrating a central red sun-disc. This reflected Japan’s symbolic rising sun and imperial crest.
The Hinomaru design was officially adopted in August 1870 as the national flag. The red disc represented the sun and Japan’s sacred status as the land of the rising run. The white background signified honesty and integrity. While early rising sun flags had rays extending from the sun, the simplicity of the red disc alone endured as Japan’s flag.
| 1870 | Official adoption of the Hinomaru as Japan’s national flag |
| Red sun-disc | Representing the rising run and Japan’s imperial heritage |
| White background | Representing honesty and integrity |
This iconic design draws from centuries of flags and symbols invoking Japan’s sun, imperial lineage, and traditional values. The 16-ray rising sun naval ensign and war flags were also adopted in 1870, adding brightness and energy to Japan’s flag. While Japan’s flag has evolved, the essential elements – the rising sun and red-and-white color scheme – have endured from feudal times to the 21st century.
Controversy Around the Hinomaru
While the Hinomaru was embraced as a national symbol, its use remained controversial in Japan’s militarist era. In 1937, Japan invaded China, beginning the war in the Pacific. The Hinomaru was viewed as a nationalist symbol, and objections were raised by Koreans and others against Japan’s imperial expansion.
Strict laws enforced flying the Hinomaru and displaying patriotism. In 1943 schoolchildren were required to raise the Hinomaru each morning and sing the national anthem. This contributed to lingering mixed views after WWII regarding the flag’s symbolism.
Following Japan’s 1945 defeat, the Allied occupation ordered restrictions on flying the Hinomaru and singing the anthem. But with the restoration of sovereignty in 1952, the Hinomaru was again designated the official national flag.
Controversy flared up periodically from the 1950s to the 1990s regarding saluting and flying the flag at public schools A 1999 law officially declared the Hinomaru as Japan’s legitimate flag, while also recognizing the legitimacy of debate regarding its meaning. The Tokyo flag law allowed both respect for and refusal to honor the flag. This compromise eased past controversies.
The Hinomaru Today
While the past controversies occasionally resurface, the Hinomaru today is viewed with pride as part of Japan’s national identity and culture. Flying the flag is common during sporting events and festivals as a show of support and enthusiasm. Laws regulate usage of the flag and prohibit disrespectful actions towards it.
The Hinomaru represents shared values, culture, traditions – the profound significance of Japan’s phenomenal lineage and legacy. Respect and affection for the national flag continue to grow in 21st century Japan. The iconic red sun disc on a white field retains timeless meaning for the Japanese people.
Conclusion
Examining Japan’s early battle banners and feudal war flags reveals how the Hinomaru emerged as a unifying national symbol. The incorporation of the central rising sun motif draws from mythic associations with Amaterasu, the sun goddess and legendary ancestress of the imperial line. The Hinomaru flag reflects Japan’s unique identity and revered status as the land of the rising sun. While serving as an emotional symbol, Japan’s national flag also conveys universal hopes for the future – the promise embodied in each new dawn.
