The Japanese are very sensitive to state symbols. Flag, coat of arms, anthem - all this reflects their traditionalist culture as much as possible. What important symbols are hidden behind a simple red and white banner and what is its history? What symbols does the fleet use?
Modern flag of Japan
The flag currently used and very recognizable all over the world is a white canvas with a red circle in the center. This image is intended to symbolize the sunrise, which is also mentioned in the unofficial name of the country. In addition to direct drawing, colors are also important. So, white expresses integrity and purity, and red - sincerity, warmth and brightness. After the Second World War this state symbol was not popular for some time, but since August 13, 1999 it has been in use again. Its official name is “nysseki”. Translated into Russian, it means “solar flag”. However, the phrase “hi-no-maru”, which means “solar disk”, is better known. In general, in such an image three distinct meanings can be distinguished. 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 religious belief system, red means life, fire, and energy. Thirdly, the geographical 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 versions of hi-no-maru appeared in the Heian era. Then this symbol was depicted on the fans of generals in order to attract the power of the heavenly luminary and transmit it to the troops. Flag history
Japan retained the legend that the first Japanese
emperor Jimmu crushed the enemy due to the fact that behind him was the sun, the rays of which dazzled his rivals. The second legend mentions the
Buddhist monk Nitiren, who created the flag after trying the Mongol invasion and presented it to the shogun. There is also a version that the samurai presented the banner with a red circle. As a state symbol, hi no maru has been used since the Meiji restoration. Then the flag of Japan was set on every merchant ship. The country opened up to the world after a long period of self-isolation, it needed a way to help introduce itself to other members of the world community. After the Second World War, the image began to be associated with Japanese militarism, therefore, discussions began in the state about changing the banner. The neighbors in the solar circle caused a strong hostility, but in the course of active economic, political and social transformations, disputes came to naught. Only in the nineties was the law on national flag and anthem passed, which established that a traditional image would be used. The day of adoption of the law is now celebrated as the day of state symbols.
What does a flag look like?
The image should not only include a white background and a red circle, it is clearly standardized. The flag of Japan determines the state law, according to which the image of the solar disk should be scarlet. The diameter of the circle should be three fifths of the width of the panel, its location is shifted by one hundredth to the shaft. The horizontal of the flag refers to the vertical as seven to ten. Such sizes are formed on the basis of the idea that this ratio of white and scarlet is obtained as harmonious as possible. In some cases
a bright red color is also used to display the solar disk.
Imperial standard
In its essence and in history, the usual state symbol is the imperial flag of Japan, since it was originally used by the rulers. But at the moment, the ruling family has its own symbolism. In part, the imperial standard coincides with the image of the unofficial state coat of arms - the chrysanthemum flower is the second popular national symbol after the sun. The image must have sixteen yellow petals spread out in a double row. The drawing is called "kikukamonse". The background for him is usually a red cloth. The history of this image says that it was created by the emperor Gotoba, a great lover of chrysanthemums. It was officially recognized in 1869. A beautiful old legend is also associated with chrysanthemums. She says that in ancient times, one Chinese emperor learned about the existence of a plant from which to make a life elixir. It was called a chrysanthemum and grew on one of the nearby islands. Only a pure-hearted people could pluck 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.
Japan military flag
A regular Japanese army was created during the Meiji restoration. The armed forces were formed with the help of foreign advisers and received their own symbols. They did not use the main national flag of Japan, but their own version. On a white cloth from a red circle sixteen broad rays depart. 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 beginning of the twentieth century. By the thirties, the transition to national symbols began. The rays were removed, the image of the solar disk was sometimes made offset to emphasize that the flag is naval.
The historical fact of military symbolism
The samurai spirit was cultivated in the Japanese army, but for most privates it was not too close. The thoughts about the house and relatives were more important to them. Because of this, a special tradition has arisen based on state symbols. When the soldier went to the front, he took with him a small flag of Japan, on which relatives and friends wrote him wishes or special prayers. This canvas made of natural fine silk was a kind of gift from the family, colleagues from study or work, sometimes from colleagues. The tradition with the flag was so widespread that there was a special small bag for him in the privates bag. Today, many museums store such memorable gifts that went through the war.