What Does the Red Spot on the Japanese Flag Represent?

The red spot in the middle of the Japanese flag represents the sun. Specifically, most historians believe that it represents the rising sun, coming up over the Japanese islands and guiding the people towards their destiny. The official name of the Japanese flag with the single red spot is the Nisshoki, however, most people commonly refer to it as the Hinomaru.

History

While the origin of the flag is unknown, the earliest historical reference to the banner with a single red dot dates back to 607, when Prince Shotoku sent a letter with the dot to the Emperor. Included as a message was the phrase "from the prince of the rising sun."

Legend

A legend reported from the time of the Mongolian invasion during the 13th century states that a Buddhist priest named Nichiren gave a banner with a red dot on it to the shogun as they went into battle.

Considerations

It wasn't until 1870 that the Hinomaru became the legal national flag of Japan. The red dot was used during the period of the Meiji Restoration, when Japan began to become a major power in the Asian world and established its basis of an empire.

Identification

During World War II, the Hinomaru was accented with the sun's rays spreading out from the red dot in the center. These flags were used primarily aboard naval ships and represented the rising sun expanding its light over more of the world.

Effects

During the postwar era, the flag was essentially disregarded for many years. This was partly to do with an overall loss of national pride. During the end of the 20th century, many Japanese politicians began to push for the re-adoption of the flag as a national symbol. In 1999, the Law Concerning the National Flag and Anthem was passed.

Resources

• Japanese Flag Facts
• Flags of the World: Japan
• World Flags 101: Japan