The Japanese flag is distinct from others because it showcases a simple design. The flag is white with a big red circle in the middle. The banner is also referred to as the “sun-mark flag” or “Nikkoshi”. Many citizens also call it the “sun disc” or the “Hinomaru”. It was chosen to represent the country together with the national anthem on August 13, 1999. Before the law was passed, the flag with the big circle has been used for over a century. It mainly represents the Land of the Rising Sun – Japan.
The Daijo-kan published the official announcements in 1870. The Daijo-kan is the government of Japan during the Meiji period. The proclamations included rules on how the Japanese flag should be designed. Proclamation No. 57 was made on February 27, 1870 by the third Meiji. Trading ships mainly used the flag among others. Proclamation No. 651 was also made on October 27, 1870, wherein the Japanese naval forces used the Japanese flag. During World War II when American troops started to take over the country, the Japanese flag was allowed to be displayed but only under strict considerations. These have been liberalized after many decades.
During the early years of Japan, the sun disc design was used by ancient warriors like samurais and daimyos. During the Meiji Restoration period, the Rising Sun Standard, used by Japan’s naval fleet, as well as the Hinomaru were used to represent the whole country. The Japanese flag was widely used in other forms such as posters, books and media.