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Japan Flag

Flag History

The flag is called Nisshōki, or unofficially Hinomaru (disk of the sun). The sun recalls the name of Japan (the Land of the Rising Sun) and worship of Amaterasu Omikami (the Sun Goddess), the most venerated goddess in the Shinto religion. The colors also reflect the spirit of Shinto ethics based on a bright, pure, and just gentle heart. White is for purity and integrity, and red is for sincerity, brightness, and warmth.

Flag Date of Adoption

13 August 1999

Flag Symbolism

White with a large red disk (representing the sun without rays) in the center

Japan National Anthem

Listen to National Anthem
Anthem Lyrics	Rōmaji: Kimigayo wa Chiyo ni yachiyo ni Sazare-ishi no Iwao to narite Koke no musu made Kanji: 君が代は千代に八千代にさざれ石の巌となりて苔の生すまで Hiragana: きみがよはちよにやちよにさざれいしのいわおとなりてこけのむすまで
Anthem Lyrics English	Thousands of years of happy reign be thine; Rule on, my lord, till what are pebbles now By age united to mighty rocks shall grow Whose venerable sides the moss doth line.

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