Wikipedia:Today's featured article/April 17, 2010

The national flag of Japan is a white rectangular flag with a large red disc (representing the sun) in the center. This flag is officially called Nisshōki in Japanese, but is more commonly known as the Hinomaru. The Nisshōki flag is designated as the national flag in Law Regarding the National Flag and National Anthem, which was promulgated and became effective on August 13, 1999. Although no earlier legislation had specified a national flag, the sun-disc flag had already become the de facto national flag of Japan. Use of the Hinomaru was severely restricted during the early years of the American occupation after World War II, although restrictions were later relaxed. In early Japanese history, the Hinomaru motif was used on flags of daimyos and samurai. During the Meiji Restoration, both the sun disc and the Rising Sun Ensign of the Imperial Japanese Navy became major symbols in the emerging Japanese empire. Public perception of the national flag varies. To some Japanese, the flag represents Japan, and no other flag could take its place. However, the flag is not frequently displayed due to its association with extreme nationalism. The use of the flag and the national anthem Kimigayo have been a contentious issue for Japan's public schools since the end of World War II. To Okinawans, the flag represents the events of World War II and the subsequent U.S. military presence there. For nations occupied by Japan, the flag is a symbol of aggression and imperialism. Despite the negative connotations, Western and Japanese sources claim the flag is a powerful and enduring symbol to the Japanese. (more...)

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