The Hinomaru or the "sun disc," also known, as the Nisshoki or the "sun flag' is the
National Flag of Japan. Although the flag had been in use during the 15th and 16th century Sengoku (Warring States) as
military banners, the flag was officially adopted on February 27, 1870 during the Meiji Restoration Period. However, not until August 13, 1999 did the flag became nationally proclaimed as an emblem.
The history of Japan had been embroiled in wars, military conflicts and even between the various shoguns that ruled Japan during the early period. To protect the territory of each shogun, the Samurai were hired, and thus it became a social class much higher in status than the merchants and farmers.
In 1603, Tokugawa a shogun himself solidified his rule (military dictatorship) over Japan and imposed the policy of isolation, particularly from foreign influence. For two centuries this policy gave Japan stability and development of its indigenous culture. In 1854, during the Meiji Restoration Period, Japan opened its doors to the world and started to modernize and industrialize.
In so short a time, Japan became a military power and invaded Korea, China, and most of the countries in Southeast Asia. It even enticed the United States in a protracted war by bombing the American Military Base in Hawaii (Pearl Harbor). The Second World War came to an end abruptly when atomic bombs were dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Then the American occupation started and under General Douglas McArthur, a new parliamentary constitution was drafted.
With the aid of the Americans, the infrastructure of Japan was restored and for the next five decades, the economy bloomed and grew to a point second only to that of the United States.
by:
The Flagman
