We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. You can Modify or Reject the use of the cookies. See our cookie policy.
Japan. Rising Sun Flag of the Imperial Japanese Army, World War II
During World War II, Japan officially and widely used the so-called Rising Sun Flag with rays, known in Japanese as Kyokujitsu-ki (旭日旗). It differs from the national flag Hinomaru by presenting the same red solar disc but accompanied by sixteen rays extending to the edges over a white background, thus forming the image of a sun at full dawn. This was not the civil flag but rather a military standard used by the Imperial Japanese Army (sun in the center) and the Imperial Japanese Navy (sun off-center), becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of Japanese expansionism in East Asia and of the militarist regime that dominated the country during the first half of the 20th century.
The design of the Rising Sun Flag with rays has historical antecedents in the Edo period and was officially adopted in the 19th century as a war flag, being considered a sign of vitality, energy, and prosperity associated with the sun. However, during World War II its use became closely linked to invasion and occupation campaigns in China, Korea, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, which gave it a strong political and emotional charge that still persists today.
Original Japanese World War II WW2 flag made of cotton.
It preserves the corner reinforcements made of leather.
Size 83 x 68 cm
