Flags

The offical flag was adopted on January 26, 1870 and has a 2:3 ratio. It is known as Nisshoki or Hinomaru, both of which mean "circle of the sun" in Japanese. The red circle represents the sun and has been a part of Japan's flag for centuries. The white represents the honesty and purity of the Japanese people. Japan is know as "nihon" or "nippon" in Japan. Both versions mean "land of the rising sun." There is a legend that says that in the 13th century, a Buddhist priest named Nichiren gave the flag to the Emperor to honor the sun goddess, Amaterasu. Amaterasu was believed to be the Emperor's ancestor.