New flag of Japan. What does the coat of arms of Japan mean? Photos of the country Japan

Date of writing: 22.10.2023

Reading time: 14 minutes

Like any other country, Japan has state symbols deeply filled with meaning. By studying it, you can learn a lot about the history of the country.

Coat of arms of Japan: history

The main symbol of the country is the kikukamonse - a coat of arms in the form of a chrysanthemum flower. This symbol is deeply rooted in the country's past. During the reign of Emperor Gotoba - from 1183 to 1198 - the image of the plant first appeared in state symbols, namely on the seals of the ruler. Other representatives of the Kamakura dynasty supported the tradition, and over time the flower became sacred. The official coat of arms of Japan in the form of a sixteen-petalled chrysanthemum was adopted in 1869 by order of the Meiji government. In 1871, a decree appeared that assigned the emperor the right to use it, prohibiting the use of the symbol by persons from other families. During World War II, the coat of arms of Japan became a sign of a great empire. It was located on the bow of warships.

Symbol meaning

Chrysanthemum was brought to the country from China. In Japan, she became the personification of wisdom and happiness. To the ancients, this flower seemed like a small embodiment of the sun. According to legend, he even caused the creation of the country. The cruel one sent three hundred young men and women in search of the flower, since, according to legend, only a person with good intentions can pick it. His envoys ended up in Japan and were so fascinated by the island that they did not return to the sinful ruler. It is not surprising that this particular flower was placed on the country’s coat of arms: it is truly special for every local resident.

Symbolism in modern life

After World War II, the coat of arms of Japan was allowed to be used not only by representatives of the imperial family. The Order of the Chrysanthemum became the main state award. Now you can see the coat of arms of Japan everywhere in the country: photographs, drawings, images of it - on all institutions. Embassies and consulates abroad are also marked with such symbols. In addition, the sixteen-petalled chrysanthemum is depicted on the cover of every Japanese passport.

Japan flag

It is worth studying not only the coat of arms, but also another emblem. Moreover, its history has been going on for more than a thousand years. According to the rules that Japan previously followed, the coat of arms and flag are symbols of the emperor, and for a long time only he could demonstrate them. The beginning of public use of official symbols was associated with the country's entry into the New Order. Before this, the state was isolated. In 1870, after realizing the need for contacts with other countries, a decree was issued according to which a flag called “Hinomaru”, that very familiar white cloth with a red circle symbolizing the sun, was to be present on every ship. After World War II, society was dissatisfied with this symbol for some time - the associations with a militaristic country turned out to be too strong. But the processes of economic and social development turned out to be so rapid that the questions themselves soon faded away. In 1999, Hinomaru was officially recognized and a day dedicated to the flag was approved by law - August 13.

The following legend is associated with the emergence of the cloth. won a difficult battle because he had the sun behind him. Since then, fans with a red symbol of the luminary began to be used for good luck, placed on the battlefield behind the army. The belief in the protective function of this sign also determined the modern choice. Perhaps that is why, even in difficult times, they did not officially abandon the cloth and create a new version of the state flag.

The canvas became the national flag in the mid-19th century, when national restoration began in the country.

Now the Japanese flag is both a civil and state symbol.

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On the Japanese flag:

Red circle in the center of the flag on a white background.

Meaning and history of the flag of Japan:

A white canvas with a large red circle in the middle, representing the rising sun. According to legend, the tradition of this flag dates back to the 13th century, with the Mongol invasion of Japan.

The flag was offered to the Japanese emperor, considered a descendant of the Sun Goddess, by Buddhist monks.

The flag began to be considered as a state flag during the era of national restoration after 1868.

The flag has an aspect ratio of 2:3 and is the state and civil flag of Japan, as well as the state and civil pennant.

Flag names

Officially in Japan the flag is called Nisshoki, which means sun flag. The more common variant is Hinomaru, which means solar disk.

Origin of the flag

Hinomaru's exact origins are unknown. One legend attributes the creation of the flag to the Buddhist monk Nichiren. According to legend, during the Mongol invasion of the Japanese Islands, Nichiren presented the flag to the shogun.

Flag of the Japanese Empire

In 1870, the Hinomaru officially became the commercial flag of the Empire of Japan. However, it was slightly different from the modern one - the proportions of the flag were 7:10, not 2:3, and the solar disk was 1% to the left of center.

Modern flag

The modern flag of Japan was approved by the National Flag and Anthem Act in 1999. The solar disk is in the center of the flag.

Japan flag colors:

Red and white

Flag Information / Flags of the World

Japan flag

The national flag of Japan was officially adopted on August 5, 1854. The flag of Japan appeared in the 14th century and was called the “Disk of the Sun”, or, as the Japanese call it, “Hinomaru”. The red circle on the flag is a red sun, which once again characterizes Japan as the land of the Rising Sun. The Shinto ethic, which is based on concepts such as beautification, justice and purity, is reflected in the white color of the Japanese flag.

Historically, this flag had influence and military glory, for example, in ancient times in Japan, flags with the image of the sun (rising sun) were used by influential families. The first mentions of such flags are found in chronicles that are almost six centuries old. It is historically known that during the Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274 and seven years later (1281), a representative of the influential religious sect Nichiren presented such a flag to the military leader who ruled the country - the shogun. Another prominent example of the use of "Hinomaru" Toyotomi Hideyoshi (the legendary military leader and unifier of Japan) used this flag in his Korean campaigns (1592 and 1597).

The first demonstration of today's Japanese flag "Hinomaru" as a symbol of the nation took place in 1860 in the USA.

At that time, the Japanese government sent a foreign diplomatic mission for the first time in the history of the country.

For this purpose, she was provided with an American-made military cruiser. The ship carrying the delegation carried an American flag at the stern and a Japanese flag at the bow.

Daimyo Satsuma in 1868 proposed using the flag in its current form as a symbol of the nation. In 1869, by Decree of the State Council, the dimensions and design of the state flag were determined. The flag is a white cloth with a red circle on it, symbolizing the sun. The Japanese often call the flag Hinomaru (Sun Disk). The standard shape of the flag is rectangular, the ratio of length to width is 10 to 7, the diameter of the image of the solar disk is 3/5 of the width of the flag, and its center is shifted by 1/100 of the length to the staff. The material used to make the flag varies, as it is not officially specified. A bamboo trunk with horizontal stripes painted with black paint and an attachment in the form of a golden ball is often used as a flagpole.

In Japan itself, Hinomaru was first used in an official ceremony in 1872. This occurred on the occasion of the opening of the first railway in the country by Emperor Meiji of Japan.

The “black day” for the Hinomaru flag was the defeat of Japan in World War II; a little later, the use of the Hinomaru as the official state flag was discontinued because This flag was associated among the Japanese and the peoples of surrounding countries with the aggressive policy of Japan. However, in 1999, the Japanese Parliament again gave official status to this flag. Today, on national holidays, Hinomaru is displayed on official buildings, vehicles and some houses.

Japan flag

All state symbols have their own history. It is logical that flags are no exception. The Japanese call the flag Hinomaru - “sun circle” in literal translation. The structure of the canvas is very simple - there is a red circle on a white background and this is a direct reference to the sunrise. It is not surprising that Japan is often referred to in various sources as the Land of the Rising Sun.

Legend has it that this symbol appeared back in the 13th century, when the Mongols invaded the country. Buddhists suggested using a canvas with similar symbolism, especially since the emperor, according to popular belief, was always considered a direct descendant of the solar deity.

There is still no exact data as to how exactly the flag appeared.

However, after reading ancient chronicles, you can find out that the rising sun has been one of the main symbols of Japan since the seventh century AD. The image of the rising of the heavenly body was applied to dishes and fans, as well as to weapons and costumes.

As for legends, the most popular is the story of the monk Nichiren, who presented the canvas to his shogun, saying that the flag should become a symbol of hope in the fight against the Mongol invaders. Subsequently, the banner became a full-fledged symbol of the imperial house; its image can be seen at almost every step, because the Japanese honor their traditions.

Surprisingly, one of the oldest examples of the flag has been preserved in Japan. Now everyone can see it in Yamanashi Prefecture. There is the Umpo-Ji fortress, where the famous banner is kept. It is already more than a thousand years old, and the relic belongs to the Takeda clan. In general, state symbols in the country changed quite often, but flags with the image of the rising sun have always remained one of the main and revered ones.

The last changes in the structure of the canvas occurred in 1999, when the law on the national anthem and flag of Japan was passed. The canvas has a standard structure (aspect ratio 2 to 3), and the solar disk is located exactly in the center. The flag of Japan is the official symbol of the state. It develops above government buildings, Japanese athletes perform under its banners, and so on.

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The canvas became the national flag in the mid-19th century, when national restoration began in the country. Now the Japanese flag is both a civil and state symbol.

There is still no exact data as to how exactly the flag appeared. However, after reading ancient chronicles, you can find out that the rising sun has been one of the main symbols of Japan since the seventh century AD. The image of the rising of the heavenly body was applied to dishes and fans, as well as to weapons and costumes.

The last changes in the structure of the canvas occurred in 1999, when the law on the national anthem and flag of Japan was passed.

The canvas has a standard structure (aspect ratio 2 to 3), and the solar disk is located exactly in the center. The flag of Japan is the official symbol of the state. It develops above government buildings, Japanese athletes perform under its banners, and so on.

Description

The sun flag is the official state symbol of Japan, one of the most laconic flags in the world. On the white canvas in the center there is a large red circle, symbolizing the rising sun, which in the Eastern tradition has many meanings, interpretations and traditions. The national flag of Japan has a width to length ratio of 2:3 and is placed horizontally on the staff.

Symbolism

The history of the symbolism of the modern flag of Japan goes back to the distant past - there is a legend that a flag with a schematic image of the sun was offered to the emperor of the country in the 13th century by Buddhist monks. The symbolism of the image of the rising sun has firmly merged with the traditions, culture and state symbols of this country.

Story

It is not known for certain where and when the first prototype of the modern Japanese flag appeared. But since the 7th century, the rising sun has been one of the most important symbols of the easternmost country in the world. During the years of national restoration, this particular image was chosen as the state symbol of the country, and since then the national flag of Japan has never changed.

In our company you can order the production of Japanese flags, as well as purchase

A simple, laconic design - a white background with a large red circle, representing the sunrise. This is the flag of the state of Japan. The rising sun is traditionally respected in the east and has many meanings attached to it.

History of the creation of the flag

The flag was designed by Buddhist monks. One of them, Nichiren, presented such a banner to the shogun as a blessing, a sign of the fight against the Mongol invasion. The idea to create a flag arose under the influence of the legend about the origin of the Japanese imperial family from the sun goddess Amaterasu. The sun goddess is one of the main deities.

According to Shinto beliefs (Shinto is the dominant religion in the country), all Japanese emperors are direct descendants of gods. The Japanese believe that when the ruling dynasty changes, replacing her family, the sun goddess will turn away from them. Then the inhabitants of the country will experience terrible torment.

The appearance of the flag happened in the 13th century, when the country experienced a Mongol invasion. The idea was to unite all the emperor's subjects under the created flag.

The Japanese flag is known by two names: Hinomaru - solar disk, Nisshoki - solar flag. If there is a national flag, each prefecture also has its own flag.

Selecting flag symbols and colors

Although the legend about the choice of signs on the flag is widely known in Japan, the prototype of the circle was most likely a symbol from the 8th-12th centuries. The red disk of the sun was depicted on the folding fans of samurai of these centuries.

Its roots go back to the time of the great-grandson of the sun goddess, the first Emperor Jimmu. According to legend, the shogun defeated the enemy thanks to the sun, which at that moment was opposite the enemy army and blinded it with its radiance. And the imperial army had its back to the sun and its face to the enemy. Since then, Japanese commanders have worshiped the sun. During battles, they began to resort to the help of banners with a red circle-sun placed behind their troops. The soldiers believed that the heavenly body would help them.

Ancient legends about the birth of the sun in the east, towards Japan, also played a role. The very location of the country, located in the east of Asia, gave rise to the established name “Land of the Rising Sun”. It is also displayed in the national flag.

The color red has several meanings. It represents life, the energy of the sun, liberation from shortcomings and sorrows.
The white color of the flag speaks of purity and innocence.

The combination of colors denotes a life lived with dignity, with honor and the absence of vices.

Official approval of the national flag

The red and white cloth appeared many centuries ago, but began to act as the state flag in the mid-19th century. True, then it had different sizes and proportions: 7x10 and a circle slightly shifted to the left. Now the dimensions of the rectangular flag are 2x3, and the red circle is exactly in the middle. Many institutions use the old-style flag during the raising ceremony, considering it more elegant and elegant. Red and white remain the same colors from the beginning.

In 1870, the Hinomaru was declared the flag of the merchant marine. Until this time, Japanese ships traded with America and Russia and sailed under different types of hinomaru. Now they have been identified. Hinomaru became the first national flag that the country adopted until 1885.

The Japanese flag has a long history; it goes back to a distant time, when one of the great empires was born and united. However, it was only recognized by law as the official symbol of the country in 1999. The date of adoption of the law - August 13 - became the day of the national flag.

The attachment of the people of Japan to the symbol of the country

The Japanese people have stood the test of time, proving their commitment to a historically rooted symbol. The image of the rising sun has become an integral symbol of the traditions and culture of the Japanese state. Since the rising luminary was chosen as the state symbol of the country during the years of restoration, the national flag with a red circle has never changed.

The oldest flag with a red circle is carefully preserved in the Umpo-Ji fortress in Yamanasa Prefecture. The oldest flag is more than a thousand years old. This is the most valuable relic of the Takeda clan, there are many legends about it. They say that the ancient painting was presented to the leader of the Yoshimitsu clan by Emperor Go-Reizei.

Seventieth Emperor of Japan Go-Reizei

The flag is raised at all celebrations in the country, and especially on the occasion of victories.

During the Sino-Japanese War, the girls made a stylized flag to support the Japanese army fighting China. The soldiers had great respect for the Hinomaru bento.
During the celebration of victory in this war, all participants in the event held the national flag in their hands.

The flag was printed in school textbooks to instill patriotism from childhood. A true Japanese is always loyal to the emperor and the flag of the state.

Over time, Hinomaru turned into the personification of the luminary, whose sunrise illuminates the darkness of the whole world.

Country: Japan

Capital: Tokyo

Total area: 377.873 km2

Population: 126,225,000

Currency: Japanese yen (JPY)

Code: JP (JPN)

Telephone code: +81

Colors: white, red

Shapes: circle

Continent: ,

Organization: ,

Official name: 日章旗 (nisshoki) – “national flag”
Common name: 日の丸 (hinomaru) – “sun circle”
Date of official adoption: August 13, 1999
Colors: white, scarlet

The choice of flag was, of course, influenced by the geographical location of the country. In Ancient China, which, according to its inhabitants, was a “middle empire,” it was believed that Japan was located on the easternmost edge of the earth and the sun came from there. The same idea has taken hold in Japan itself. Thus, the flag became the personification of the rising sun.

Construction of the flag.

According to the “Law on the National Anthem and National Flag”, japanese national flag is an image of a scarlet disk on a white background. The diameter of the solar circle is 3/5 of the width of the flag. The image itself is shifted 1/100 towards the shaft. The traditional horizontal to vertical ratio is 7:10. This dimensional ratio of the parts of the flag is enshrined in the appendix to the “Law on the National Flag and the National Anthem”, however, initially it comes from the general idea that this particular ratio of the white and red parts is the most harmonious.

The official colors used in the flag are white and scarlet, but bright red is often used instead of scarlet.

National anthem of Japan

General information.

Official name: 国歌 (cocca)
Common name: “君が代” (kimi ga yo) – according to the first line

As in the case of the national flag, the need to have modern state attributes appeared in Japan with the opening of the country in . In 1888, "Kimi ga yo" was first adopted as the country's official anthem.

Text.

The text for the hymn was chosen from the early 10th century poetic anthology Kokinshu (Collection of Old and New Songs). So, despite the fact that the idea of adopting an anthem appeared in Japan later than in other countries, now the words of its anthem are the most ancient in the world. The author of the text is unknown. However, this five-line was quite popular and was included in later poetry collections, so its words have changed somewhat and the current version of the text differs from the original one.

A special feature of the five-line tanka is the large number of expressive means of language: epithets, figurative meanings of words, etc. That is why there is a need to interpret the meaning of what is written. So, for example, the first line – “Kimi ga yo” – causes great difficulty. the word "kimi" means "you" and is also a way of referring to the word "emperor". However, the generally accepted interpretation is the praise of the emperor, and the entire text proclaims the health resort to the sovereign.

In the era when these poems were composed, they were recited or sung. But the motive and manner of performance were exclusively traditional, so the music had to be brought into line with the musical norms of Western countries.

Music.

The very idea of adopting the anthem was first expressed by the Englishman John Fenton, who served as a conductor of the Japanese army. “Progressive” people of that time, who actively advocated reforms, provided him with the text of the tanka quintuple. However, the music composed by Fenton was considered unsuccessful because it lacked the proper degree of grandeur. After an unsuccessful attempt, the music department of the imperial court took up the matter, whose employee Hayashi Hiromori composed the music. After another military conductor, the German F. Eckert, edited this melody, it was first performed publicly on December 3, 1880. The official date of adoption of "Kimi ga yo" as the national anthem is considered to be 1888, when its music and lyrics were sent to all countries with which Japan had diplomatic relations.

As with the national flag, after the war the anthem became closely associated with a militaristic past. However, it was performed on NHK radio after the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty in 1951, and since 1953 it has been performed daily on the NHK television channel. In 1999, the anthem was again recognized as the official state anthem in the “Law on the National Anthem and National Flag.”

National emblem of Japan

General information.

Another symbol of the state is traditionally considered to be the coat of arms. However, Japan is an exception to this rule. There is simply no official national emblem of Japan.. This is explained by various factors, but the primary reason is that the chivalric traditions of medieval Europe were unknown in Japan until the second half of the 19th century. However, in Japan, for a long time, there was a symbol that performed the same function as the coat of arms in European states - it was the official sign of the ruling family. This is a chrysanthemum flower, which is the emblem of the Imperial House. More precisely, a sixteen-petalled chrysanthemum with a double row.

The official name of such a flower is 菊花紋章 (kikukamonsho: / kikkamonsho:) - “coat of arms in the form of a chrysanthemum flower.” It is often called the state emblem of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Story.

Emperor Gotoba, ruler (1183-1198), was a great lover of chrysanthemum flowers and began to use their image. This tradition was continued by others, and thus, by the tacit consent of the rulers, the chrysanthemum received the status of a sacred symbol of the imperial family.

Officially, the sixteen-petalled chrysanthemum was recognized as the coat of arms of the ruling imperial house in 1869 by order of the Meiji government. And in 1871, a decree was issued that secured the privilege of the imperial house to use the symbol, and persons who did not belong to the imperial family were strictly prohibited from using it. (This ban has now been lifted.)

During World War II, the chrysanthemum was actively used as a symbol of the Great Japanese Empire. It was attached to the bow of warships.

Symbolism.

The chrysanthemum, imported from China, became a symbol of happiness and wisdom in Japan. Also, the ancient Japanese often associated this bright flower, bursting with strength and energy, with the sun.

One of the many legends about the founding of Japan is associated with chrysanthemums. In ancient times, China was ruled by a cruel emperor. He was informed that on one of the nearest islands there was a chrysanthemum plant, from the juice of which a vital elixir could be prepared. But only a person with a pure heart and good intentions can pick a flower. The emperor and his courtiers were sinful people, and 300 young boys and girls were sent to the island who did not return to the cruel emperor; Fascinated by the nature of the island, they founded a new state - Japan.