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The Japanese national flag is called Hinomaru, which literally means ‘sun circle’
and
recalls Japan’s nickname as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’.
Sun symbols have been used in Japan from at least the 12th century, when samurai warriors, called bushi, are recorded using the sun symbol for decoration purposes.
Modern use of Hinomaru dates from the late 16th and early 17th century, when
it was limitedly employed as a seafaring ensign.
In 1639, Japan entered into a period of sakoku, or ‘national seclusion’ and had little contact with other nations.
When this ended in 1854 and overseas trade again commenced, Hinomaru was adopted as
the national marine ensign. It was officially made the national flag in 1870.
The current flag design dates from the 13th of August 1999. |
