Culture, history and people: everything is united under one banner, the flag. In the case of Japan, a country with such an adventurous past, theirs has a gripping story. Yes, its design is simple as could be. But what is more iconic and Japanese than its national flag? Its red circle, centered on a white background, is quickly recognizable around the world.
But the most curious thing is that today’s minimalist design only been in use about 150 years, although there have been earlier versions. His official name is nisshokior “sun flag”, and is commonly known as Hinomaru, “circle of the sun”. Let’s delve into its origins:
The origins of the “sun”
The most similar designs to the flag that we can see today date back to the 8th century. It is said that at that time Emperor Monmu wanted to commemorate the arrival of the new year in 701 (the first year of the Taihō Era) by decorating his ceremonial hall with a flag. That could be the Hinomaru original, although it is not clear if it was really only the source of inspiration for later designs. What we do know is that all those who followed her shared one thing: the sun and its symbolism, rooted in Japanese mythology and religion.
According to this Voyapon article, another historical episode in which a similar design was seen was in the bloody Genpei War, between 1180 and 1185. During those years two clans, the Taira and the Minamoto, fought for control of Japan. The former fought under a red banner with gold and silver moon circles. The latter chose a pure white flag. The Minamoto were victorious. Later, their leader used a combination of both as a national symbol and there are those who believe that this is the origin of the design Hinomaru.
During the Warring States Period between 1467-1615, Japan experienced a new wave of unrest. On that occasion the symbolism of the sun was again reinterpreted by the Daimyō, the powerful feudal lords of the time. Kuki Yoshitaka’s fleet would also use the Hinomaru on their warships. Let us remember that this period ended with a more unified Japan, giving rise to the beginning of the Edo era (1603-1868).
The end of the Edo era meant a golden period for the country, economically speaking. The shogunate Tokugawa expanded trade and opened sea routes to various nations such as the Netherlands, China, the United States, and Russia. The authorities wanted them to use the flag Hinomaru on their ships. Not only to officially represent Japan to the rest of the world, but also to distinguish itself from foreign ships.
nationalist symbol
The Hinomaru it gained even more representation with a Japanese nationalism on the rise as modernization reached the country. The flag was first raised on government buildings in 1870.. And, following Japan’s victory in the First Russo-Japanese War and the First Sino-Japanese War, it was used in wartime celebrations and events, contributing to a widespread nationalist sentiment.
Even textbooks for schools were filled with flags along with patriotic slogans. During World War II, the flag became a symbol of imperialism in its occupied areas like the Philippines. After Japan’s defeat in World War II, some patriotic symbols such as the flag were censored. To hoist it, first permission from the military command had to be given from the USA With the entry into force of the new Constitution of Japan in 1947, several restrictions on the flag were lifted. Two years later, all of them were abolished and anyone could display the flag without permission.
When the Law on the National Flag and National Anthem was passed in 1999, the Hinomaru and the National Anthem of Japan were reinstated as official symbols of Japan.
the other flag
However, this is not the only one that waves in the country. apart from the Hinomaru, there is another flag that is often associated with Japan and its military. But the truth is that the Flag of the Rising Sun (Kyokujitsuki) and its history is controversial to say the least. It is based on the same design as the Hinomaru, but with red rays emitted by the “sun”. Its origins go back to the feudal lords who used it during the Edo era.
It was also used as the official war flag for the Imperial Japanese Army after the Meiji Restoration. Shortly after, it was adopted as the naval ensign of the Imperial Navy. like the flag too represents good luck, can still be seen in some places, such as the original Asahi newspaper logo. It is also still in use by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, although it has been modified since World War II. The Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Ground Self-Defense Force also use a version.
This flag is considered offensive in many places in Asia, mainly due to Japan’s imperialist past. Some countries associate it with a long list of war crimes and oppression, especially in South Korea and China.
recent conflicts
Currently, there is still resistance from certain sectors in the use of one or another flag. But the Japanese authorities defend the different uses. In fact, the Rising Sun flag design models the shape of the sun as the national flag of Japan and is widely used throughout Japan as good catch flags used by fishermen and in celebration of births and seasonal holidays.
Requests to ban the Rising Sun flag from international sports competitions are also not new. But organizers of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have repeatedly said they would not ban its deployment. “The ‘Rising Sun’ flag is widely used in Japan and we believe that displaying the flag is not a political statement,” they explained in a statement in 2019.
Curiously, on July 17, a reverse situation occurred. The South Korean team had to remove flags and banners with a reference to a historical conflict with Japan from its stands at the request of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The South Korean team hung a banner with the phrase: “We still have the applause and support of our 50 million people.” This is a reference to “I still have 12 warships,” a famous comment by the legendary Korean admiral Yi Sun-sin of the Joseon dynasty, who defeated some 330 Japanese ships with just 12 ships in the Myeongryang Strait in 1597.
Beyond any past conflict, the Japanese flag tells a compelling story and has become a freehand symbol of peace. And it is one of the most easily recognizable icons in the whole world.
Image: Flickr