A captured World War II Japanese battle flag. The design is based on Japan's national flag, the Nisshōki (日章旗, flag of the sun) — better known in Japan as the Hinomaru (日の丸, circle of the sun). This flag carries with it great symbolism, and an interesting history.
The Japanese Emperor is said to be the direct descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu, perhaps the most important diety in the dominant Shinto religion. This ancient pedigree forms the spiritual basis of the Emperor's authority. Thus, the Hinomaru represents Amaterasu, the Emperor, and the Japanese nation itself.
The first recorded use of the Hinomaru was by the Emperor Monmu in 701 CE. However, it wasn't until the Meiji Restoration (1868-1889), that it really came into prominence. Along with the familiar naval design (a red disc with radiating rays), it became an important symbol of the emerging Japanese empire. This culminated, of course in the Japanese expansion throughout the Pacific basin during World War II. As a result, the flag has dark associations for many, especially in China and Korea. During the Allied occupation of Japan, the use of the Hinomaru was severely restricted. It still remains problematic for some, both in Japan and the wider region.
This flag was captured in battle somewhere in the Pacific by an American serviceman, and brought home as a souvenir. During the war, the Allies called the Hinomaru the "meatball flag." It is a silk-like material, probably some type of rayon. Two corners are reinforced with leatherette. There is some staining, but it's in pretty good shape considering its history! We do not normally carry militaria, but we think you'll agree that this flag has rich cultural significance.
Last photo: Marines with a captured Japanese Flag on Saipan, July 1944
A captured World War II Japanese battle flag. The design is based on Japan's national flag, the Nisshōki (日章旗, flag of the sun) — better known in Japan as the Hinomaru (日の丸, circle of the sun). This flag carries with it great symbolism, and an interesting history.
The Japanese Emperor is said to be the direct descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu, perhaps the most important diety in the dominant Shinto religion. This ancient pedigree forms the spiritual basis of the Emperor's authority. Thus, the Hinomaru represents Amaterasu, the Emperor, and the Japanese nation itself.
The first recorded use of the Hinomaru was by the Emperor Monmu in 701 CE. However, it wasn't until the Meiji Restoration (1868-1889), that it really came into prominence. Along with the familiar naval design (a red disc with radiating rays), it became an important symbol of the emerging Japanese empire. This culminated, of course in the Japanese expansion throughout the Pacific basin during World War II. As a result, the flag has dark associations for many, especially in China and Korea. During the Allied occupation of Japan, the use of the Hinomaru was severely restricted. It still remains problematic for some, both in Japan and the wider region.
This flag was captured in battle somewhere in the Pacific by an American serviceman, and brought home as a souvenir. During the war, the Allies called the Hinomaru the "meatball flag." It is a silk-like material, probably some type of rayon. Two corners are reinforced with leatherette. There is some staining, but it's in pretty good shape considering its history! We do not normally carry militaria, but we think you'll agree that this flag has rich cultural significance.
Last photo: Marines with a captured Japanese Flag on Saipan, July 1944
