The Sun Disc That Lost Its Rays: The Evolution of Japan's National Flag

The national flag of Japan, known as the Nisshoki or Hinomaru, features a red circle representing the sun on a white background. However, its history is intricately linked with two distinct versions: one with and one without rays. The design with rays, known as the Rising Sun Flag, was a powerful symbol of expansion and empire during World War II. After Japan's defeat in 1945, this flag largely disappeared from official contexts, paving the way for the simpler Hinomaru to become the official national flag in 2007. This change was symbolically significant, reflecting the nation's efforts to redefine its identity in a post-war world.

The Rise of the Rising Sun Flag

Before World War II, the version of the flag featuring the sun with rays was widely used by the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy. Known as the Rising Sun Flag, it symbolized the expansion of Japan's empire, conquering darkness and spreading light across the seas (see Figure 1). This flag was a potent symbol of Japan's military might and imperial ambitions, particularly during the 1930s and 1940s.

Post-World War II Transformations

Following Japan's defeat and the subsequent occupation by Allied forces, the nation underwent a profound transformation. The 1947 Japanese constitution, which endorsed peace and a renunciation of war, played a crucial role in this shift. The simpler Hinomaru flag, without the rays, was officially adopted as the national flag in 1999. This decision symbolized a move away from symbols associated with Japan's imperial past and wartime aggression (see Figure 2).

The new flag emphasized a peaceful identity, redefined in light of the post-war principles of harmony, peace, and unity. It represented Japan's commitment to peaceful development and international cooperation. This change was not merely symbolic but also part of a broader effort to rehabilitate Japan's image on the global stage.

Continued Use and Controversy

While the Hinomaru flag is now the official national flag, the version with rays is still used in some contexts, particularly by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (see Figure 3). However, these uses often pull the flag along with its controversial history, which remains a subject of debate, especially in neighboring countries that suffered Japanese aggression during the war.

Conclusion: A Symbol of New Beginnings

Despite the continued use of the Rising Sun Flag in certain contexts, the plain sun disc as the national flag stands as a symbol of modern Japan's commitment to a peaceful future. In this sense, the evolution of Japan's national flag reflects the nation's journey from a symbol of militarism to one of peace and inclusiveness. Just as the city of Portland, Oregon, cherishes symbols that reflect its community's ethos, Japan's decision to adopt the simple sun disc as its flag speaks volumes about its enduring commitment to peace and a more inclusive global community.