Japan Flag Pictures
Japan's Flag of the Rising Sun Not Officially Adopted until 1999
Although not officially adopted until 1999, the national flag of Japan, or Hinomaru as it is commonly called, has been a recognizable symbol of Japan since 1870 when it was used as a civil ensign during the Meiji Restoration. Most Japanese regarded the flag as the national banner even before it officially designated as such in 1999.
Featuring a white background with a distinct red disc in the center, symbolizing the rising sun without rays, the flag design's exact origin is unknown. However, it is known that the sun had religious connotations in Japan and the rising sun a special symbolic meaning as is evident throughout Japan's history. It was considered the national flag until 1885. After the revolution, there wasn't a national flag with no law in place.
The use of the flag was restricted in the early years following World War II when Americans occupied Japan, though those restrictions were eventually relaxed. In 1947, the flag was permitted to be flown at national buildings, such as the Imperial Palace, Prime Minister's Residence or Supreme Court building, and in 1948, Japanese citizens were allowed to fly the flag on national holidays. The restrictions were completely abandoned in January 1949 and anyone could fly Hinoramu whenever and wherever they please. As a result, schools and residences were encouraged to fly Hinomaru until the early 1950s.
Since the end of the war, Japan's flag, as well as the Kimi ga Yo (the national anthem), has been criticized as a symbol of the country's militaristic past. Schools in Japan were at the center of a controversy over the flag and anthem when teachers refused to use the symbols. Because schools are considered government agencies in Japan and teachers required to teach their students how to be good Japanese citizens, teachers were ordered to use both or risk losing their jobs.
Negative perception towards Hinomaru still exists in former colonies of Japan and Okinawa, where protests against Japanese foreign policies or the visit of the Japanese prime minister often result in the burning of the flag. Interestingly, Japanese law allows the burning of Hinomaru, but foreign flags cannot be burned in Japan.
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Buy Japan Flags from United-states-flag.com
Info and History of Japanese Flag at Wikipedia.org
Flag of Japan from Flags of the World Project
Rising Sun Flag from Japan on Flags.net
Info on Japanese Flag from CIA Fact Book
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