Historical Flags of the World – Hinomaru
Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world in terms of culture and history. Their respective flag as shown on flag poles for sale of all kinds, displays a red disk on a white background. Not surprisingly, the red colored disk symbolizes the sun and is position exactly in the middle of the flag. Unlike other historical flags, the flag of Japan knows quite a bit of controversy with regards to its meaning, especially in Japan.
Referred to as “Nisshoki,” but more commonly as the “Hinomaru,” this fascinating banner was adopted officially back in 1999, a little more than one decade ago. Interestingly, no earlier official national flag was really in existence before that time. However, back in the 19th century, 2 proclamations issued by the so called “Daij-kan,” each had a provision for a new design of the national banner. In 1870, the sun-disk flag was accepted as the national flag for merchant vessels at sea as well as flown from flagpoles by on vessels under rule of the Japanese Navy.
Different representations or perceptions of the banner are in existence. To some inhabitants of Japan, the flag is said to be a fitting representation of the territory. To others, the flag is said to symbolize the events surrounding World War 2. In fact, the use of both the anthem and the flag has been cause of contention for public schools in Japan ever since World War 2. The flag is not flown from flag poles and such often because it is also said to associate with extreme forms of nationalism.
Interestingly, the Hinomaru was only allowed to be flown with permission from the SCAPJ during U.S. occupation, as a result of World War 2. Some even claimed that the flag was banner from being attached to flag poles, and displayed from other such objects. This claim is controversial however as other claim that severe restrictions were in force alone.
Since WW2, the Japan has been criticized because of the country’s military past. The same applies to the national anthem of the country. During re-establishment, Japan used the flag as a political weapon, especially abroad. The Japanese flag remains one of the more controversial historical flags in the world today!
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