Banderas de Japón de colección

Collectible Japanese Flags

With a long and diverse history, Japan has a lengthy assortment of historical flags. These range from the flags of the daimyo (feudal lords) to the banners of the present Japanese nation. Depending on your specific interest in a particular time period, there are a lot of flags to choose from.

What are the different types of historical Japanese flags?

Many historical banners have been flown throughout Japans history. These range from the flags of the Imperial House to the war flag of the Empire of Japan. Some parties represented by these banners include:

  • Ryukyu Kingdom: The Ryukyu Kingdom ruled a swath of islands known as the Ryukyu Islands. These are situated to the south of Japan and stretch from Taiwan into the Pacific Ocean. Though once subservient to the Ming Dynasty of China, the Ryukyu Kingdom later came under the authority of the Satsuma. The Empire of Japan proceeded to annex them after this period. The Ryukyu flag consists of a black and red bar at the bottom of a white background. A wide-girth tomoe symbol on a black circle lies above it. The Royal Crest flag is a sharper white tomoe symbol on a black circle.
  • Tokugawa Shogunate: Arising from the ashes of the warring states period, the Tokugawa Shogunate was the last shogunate to rule the country. They ruled from Edo, an area that is now known as Tokyo. This military government was eventually displaced by the Meiji government. The Tokugawa flag was comprised of a white background with a centered horizontal black bar. The crest depicts three yellow-colored wild ginger leaves symmetrically placed.
  • War Flag of the Imperial Japanese Army: This powerful force was the primary military for the Empire of Japan in World War II. It was the primary force with which the country assaulted China and waged war against Allied troops. Though similar to other flags from the period, it can be distinguished by the centrality of the crimson sun. Brightly colored stripes protrude from the center sun in all directions.
What are the different types of other Japanese flags?

Since the years following the defeat of the Japanese Empire, several flags have been adopted for various purposes. They include:

  • The Japanese National Flag: Since the signing of the liberal constitution in 1947, the country of Japan has enjoyed relative peace and prosperity. The national flag consists of a sun disc on a white, rectangular background. This national flag represents the sun, which has ties to ancient Japanese culture.
  • Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF): Founded in 1954, the JGSDF defends the country against external threats. It is Japan’s official military and an important ally of the United States armed forces. Its flag is comprised of a sun disc with protruding red stripes on a jagged rectangle.
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