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Japan

Asia

Quick Facts

Capital

Tokyo

Population

125.0M

Area

377,915 km²

Density

331 /km²

Median age

49.9 yrs

Description

Adoption

1870 (official merchant ensign)
13 August 1999 (recognised as the national flag by law, 156 years).

Designed byTraditional motif; no individual designer.

Design & Symbolism

Specs plus what each color and emblem means on this flag — tap an element to reveal its meaning.

Proportions

2:3

Shape

Rectangular

Colors

White#FFFFFF

White symbolises honesty and purity.

Red#BC002D · Pantone 186 C

The red disc represents the sun.

Symbols & elements

Sun disc

Construction details

Proportions 2:3. A white field bearing a crimson red disc at its centre, its diameter equal to three-fifths of the height. The disc depicts the sun.

Construction sheet

Etiquette & protocol

How the flag should be used and displayed with respect.

Specific rules — Japan

Not to be confused with the 'Rising Sun' flag (with rays), which carries sensitive military associations.
Its use in schools has remained debated since 1945.

Common conventions

Keep the flag clean and never let it touch the ground.
Never fly a torn or faded flag — repair or replace it.
Illuminate the flag if it stays up at night.
Never use the flag as clothing, packaging or advertising.
Dispose of a worn flag respectfully, not in the trash.

Did you know?

The red disc is the sun, tied to the myth of an imperial line descended from the sun goddess; the country's name, Nippon, means 'origin of the sun'.

Test your knowledge!

Can you recognize this flag in Flag Reveal?

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