The flag of Japan: military and imperial. History of the flag of Japan

The Japanese are very sensitive to state symbols. Flag, coat of arms, anthem - all this maximally reflects their traditionalist culture. What important symbols are hidden behind a simple red and white cloth and what is its history? What symbolism does the fleet use?

The modern flag of Japan

The flag used at the moment and very recognizable all over the world is a white canvas with a red circle in the center. Such an image is intended to symbolize the sunrise, which is also mentioned in the unofficial name of the country. In addition to the direct pattern, the colors have a value. So, white expresses wholeness and purity, and red - sincerity, warmth and brightness. After World War II, this state symbol was not popular for some time, but since August 13, 1999, it is again in progress. Its official name is "nissyoki". In translation into Russian it means "solar flag". However, the word "chi-no-maru" is more commonly known, which means "solar disk". In general, in this image, you can distinguish three separate meanings. Firstly, the emperor of Japan is considered a man of divine origin, that is, the son of the sun. Secondly, in Shintoism, which is a traditional Japanese system of religious beliefs, red means life, fire and energy. Thirdly, the geographic location of the country also matters. It used to be that the Japanese archipelago is located at the eastern edge of the earth, from which the sun rises.

History of occurrence

It is believed that the first variants of chi-no-maru appeared in the Heian age. Then this symbol was depicted on the fans of generals, in order to draw the power of the heavenly body and transmit it to the troops. History of the flag Japan retained the legend that the first Japanese emperor Jimma crushed the enemy due to the fact that behind him was the sun, the rays of which blinded the rivals. The second legend mentions the Buddhist monk Nichiren who created the flag after attempts of the Mongol invasion and gave it to the shogun. There is also a version that a cloth with a red circle was presented by a samurai. As a state symbol, chi-no-maru has been used since the Meiji Restoration. Then the flag of Japan was installed on each merchant ship. The country opened to the world after a long self-isolation, it needed a way to help itself present itself to other members of the world community. After the Second World War, the image became associated with Japanese militarism, so discussions began in the state about changing the cloth. In the neighborhood, the solar circle caused a strong dislike, but in the course of active economic, political and social transformations, disputes came to naught. Only in the nineties the law on the state flag and anthem was adopted, which established that a traditional image would be used. The day of adoption of the law is now celebrated as a day of state symbols.

What does the flag look like?

The image does not just have to include a white background and a red circle, it is clearly standardized. What flag in Japan, determines the state law, according to which the image of the solar disk must be scarlet. The diameter of the circle should be three-fifths of the width of the panel, its arrangement by one-hundredth is shifted to the shaft. The flag's horizontal refers to the vertical as seven to ten. Such dimensions are formed on the basis of the idea that this ratio of white and scarlet is maximally harmonious. In some cases A bright red color is also used for the image of the solar disk.

Imperial Standard

In its essence and history, the ordinary state symbol is also the imperial flag of Japan, since it was originally used by rulers. But at the moment, the ruling family has its own symbolism. Partly the imperial standard coincides with the image of the unofficial state emblem - the chrysanthemum flower is the second popular symbol after the sun. The image must have sixteen yellow petals, arranged in a double row. The figure is called "kikukamons". The background for him is usually a red cloth. The history of this image says that it was created by Emperor Gotob, a great fan of chrysanthemums. Officially it was recognized in 1869. A beautiful old legend is also associated with chrysanthemums. It says that in ancient times, one Chinese emperor learned about the existence of a plant from which one can make a life elixir. It was called chrysanthemum and grew on one of the nearby islands. Only pure hearts could break a magic plant. The cruel emperor was a sinner, so he sent three hundred girls and young guys to the island. They were fascinated by this place and did not return to China, having founded a new country. So Japan appeared.

Military flag of Japan

The regular Japanese army was created during the restoration of the Meiji. The armed forces were formed with the help of foreign advisers and received their own symbols. They used not their main national flag, but their own version. Sixteen broad beams fall on a white cloth from a red circle. This number is of particular importance to the Japanese. The number sixteen is associated with the emperor. Under such a flag, Japan fought from the nineteenth to the early twentieth century. By the thirties, the transition to state symbols began. The rays were removed, the image of the solar disk sometimes made shifted to emphasize that the flag is naval.

Historical fact about military symbols

Samurai spirit was cultivated in the Japanese army, but for most privates it was not too close. They were more important than thoughts of home and relatives. Because of this, a special tradition emerged on the basis of state symbols. When the soldier went to the front, he took with him a small flag of Japan, at which relatives and friends wrote to him wishes or special prayers. This canvas made from natural thin silk was a kind of gift from the family, colleagues in studies or work, sometimes from colleagues. The tradition with the flag was so widespread that in the privet's ration there was for him a special little bag. To date, many museums store such memorable gifts that have passed the war.