What the flag of Japan means
The red disc stands for the sun, reflecting the country's name, Nihon, origin of the sun. Known as Hinomaru, the circle of the sun, the design has been used for centuries and was made the official national flag in 1999.
Where is Japan?
Japan is in Asia. The nearest countries in Battuta are South Korea, North Korea, Philippines, China and Mongolia. Find it yourself on the 3D globe in Waypoint: Asia.
Often confused with
Flags with similar colours
Test yourself
- LandfallAsiaA flag quiz on a 3D globe: see a national flag and click its country on the map. Play the whole world or one continent.
- CourierAsiaFlags of the world, one after another. Pick the right country for each flag from four options. Works without the 3D globe.
- BannersAsiaA country lights up on a 3D globe. Pick its flag from four options. A flag quiz for every continent.
Questions and answers
When was the flag of Japan adopted?
The current flag of Japan was adopted in 1999.
What colours are on the flag of Japan?
The main colours of the flag of Japan are white and red.
Which flags look like the flag of Japan?
The flag of Japan is often confused with the flags of Bangladesh and Palau.