The Japanese Empire Flag (Rising Sun Flag) is a historical military flag of Japan, featuring a red sun with 16 red rays extending outward on a white field. First adopted by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1870 and later by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1889, the flag symbolized Japan’s expansion as a major world power during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was prominently used throughout the Empire of Japan’s military campaigns, including during World War II.
Following Japan’s surrender in 1945, use of the Rising Sun Flag was restricted due to its strong associations with Japanese imperialism and wartime aggression. However, it remains in use today in limited contexts, particularly by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. While some view it as a traditional Japanese symbol of good fortune and prosperity, others regard it as a controversial emblem due to its historical connection with colonial rule and military occupation. The Japanese Empire Flag continues to be a subject of cultural and political debate in East Asia.
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Every Flagmaker & Print flag is made to order. If you order today, your custom flag will arrive between and . Discover more about how custom flags are made.
The Japanese Empire Flag (Rising Sun Flag) is a historical military flag of Japan, featuring a red sun with 16 red rays extending outward on a white field. First adopted by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1870 and later by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1889, the flag symbolized Japan’s expansion as a major world power during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was prominently used throughout the Empire of Japan’s military campaigns, including during World War II.
Following Japan’s surrender in 1945, use of the Rising Sun Flag was restricted due to its strong associations with Japanese imperialism and wartime aggression. However, it remains in use today in limited contexts, particularly by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. While some view it as a traditional Japanese symbol of good fortune and prosperity, others regard it as a controversial emblem due to its historical connection with colonial rule and military occupation. The Japanese Empire Flag continues to be a subject of cultural and political debate in East Asia.
Flagmaker & Print is the easiest way to design and print your flag online. Try out our custom flag maker!
Community Reviews
The easiest way to design & Print your flag online
Flagmaker & Print offers best-in-class custom flags in over 70 sizes and variations. We specialize in small-quantity custom flags, manufacturing everything from 3×5ft outdoor flags to desk and hand-waving flags. Design your own using our built-in flag maker app, or browse a library of 14,000+ ready-made designs.
With a full-suite design service included in your flag price, we're your one-stop shop for custom flags worldwide.
Not happy? money back!
Getting your custom flag design right can be hard! If you feel the final product doesn't quite fit what you had in mind, you are eligible for a full refund or a free replacement print.
What's more, you can always reach out to our support team so we can help you fine-tune and perfect your flag for every occasion!
Crew picks
Discover some of the greatest flags made with the FMP app, selected by our designers
"Always wanted my own Commune of France flag, easy to make with FMP."– Leon (Oregon)
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"Incredible flags - I made my own collection."– Tom (UK)
"Got my Equestria At War flag, for Griffonia!"– Anonymous
"Got this flag, quality was amazing and felt as if it was real."– S.M (US)
"Got a CFSR flag to go with my Communard flags. Lovely as always"– Zachary (NY)
"Really thick and durable, made these for a cosplay."– Ignar (Massachussets)
"Great for outdoors. Long live the People's Front of Judea!"– Eric (California)
