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Japanese Flag variations
One of the most common motifs on military sake cups is the national flag--or rather, the two Japanese
flags since there is no official national flag. The generally accepted national flag is the Hinomaru and
there is also a national Rising Sun flag with red sun rays. Oftentimes there is a gold ball or Imperial
mum at the top of the pole.
There are a great many varieties of the styles of the flags. Many are stiff and rectangular while others
are blowing in the wind; some are falling, some are ripped, some have fringe, etc. The colors of the flag
also vary. Some are in gold and I have seen blue ones and green ones as well.
I will try and show a few examples of the great variety of Japanese flag representations. Generally
there is no meaning to the differences besides aesthetic feeling. However, there may be some
meanings that I am unaware of.
A few known meanings are these: 1. Crossed flags symbolize 'Celebration' in Japan. 2. Ripped flags
are almost always regimental flags. 3. Fringe around the edges also seems to indicate a regimental
flag. The fringe varies in color but is often gold. However, once in a while a Hinomaru flag has fringes
but this is not a regimental flag.
The crossed flags generally have a tassel or bow in the center. A gold Imperial mum can also be seen
here.
flags since there is no official national flag. The generally accepted national flag is the Hinomaru and
there is also a national Rising Sun flag with red sun rays. Oftentimes there is a gold ball or Imperial
mum at the top of the pole.
There are a great many varieties of the styles of the flags. Many are stiff and rectangular while others
are blowing in the wind; some are falling, some are ripped, some have fringe, etc. The colors of the flag
also vary. Some are in gold and I have seen blue ones and green ones as well.
I will try and show a few examples of the great variety of Japanese flag representations. Generally
there is no meaning to the differences besides aesthetic feeling. However, there may be some
meanings that I am unaware of.
A few known meanings are these: 1. Crossed flags symbolize 'Celebration' in Japan. 2. Ripped flags
are almost always regimental flags. 3. Fringe around the edges also seems to indicate a regimental
flag. The fringe varies in color but is often gold. However, once in a while a Hinomaru flag has fringes
but this is not a regimental flag.
The crossed flags generally have a tassel or bow in the center. A gold Imperial mum can also be seen
here.
Crossed flags. No set pattern. Two of the same flag. Hinomaru on left or right--no known difference in meaning.
Tattered flags, usually representing a regiment standard--some explicitly so
and others as a general military symbol.
and others as a general military symbol.
Single flags waving in the wind.
Raised (embossed) flags.
Other designs with flags.
