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Room of Japan · Japan at a glance

The flag of Japan and what the law says

In short

The flag of Japan is the Nisshoki, the “flag of the sun”. A law of 1999 sets its shape: the height is 2/3 of the width, and the circle is 3/5 of the height.
Act No. 127 of 1999Anthem: Kimigayo
日章旗Nisshoki (flag of Japan)
Height : width
2 : 3
Circle
diameter 3/5 of the height, in the center
Colors
white field, crimson circle

Drawn to the measurements in the law. The law names the colors “white” and “crimson” but gives no color codes, so we chose the colors in the drawing.

The rules for the flag

The Act on National Flag and Anthem (Act No. 127 of 1999) says that the national flag of Japan is the Nisshoki, the “flag of the sun”.

The law also sets the shape. The height is two thirds of the width. The diameter of the circle in the middle is three fifths of the height, and its center is the center of the flag. The field is white and the circle is crimson.

The law also allows, for the time being, a height of seven tenths of the width, with the circle moved toward the pole by one hundredth of the width.

The anthem is in the same law

Article 2 of the same law says that the national anthem is Kimigayo, and the law includes its words and music.

An older rule from 1870

When this law started, it ended an older rule called the Merchant Ship Rules, a notice from 1870 (Meiji 3).

Think about it

There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.

Did you know? — The law gives the colors only in words, “white” and “crimson”. It gives no color codes.
Next steps
About this page
Flag and anthem: e-Gov Laws, “Act on National Flag and Anthem” (Japanese)
Written by CCN CO., LTD.
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