The flag's formal role in the Japanese military began in the late 19th century:
: The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) uses an 8-ray variant with a gold border. Controversy and Perception
: The motif symbolizes the sun, a central figure in Shinto mythology via the sun goddess Amaterasu .
: Even today, it is used in daily life as a Tairyō-bata (big catch flag) by fishermen, and to celebrate milestones like childbirth or seasonal festivities. Military Adoption and Modern Status
The flag's formal role in the Japanese military began in the late 19th century:
: The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) uses an 8-ray variant with a gold border. Controversy and Perception
: The motif symbolizes the sun, a central figure in Shinto mythology via the sun goddess Amaterasu .
: Even today, it is used in daily life as a Tairyō-bata (big catch flag) by fishermen, and to celebrate milestones like childbirth or seasonal festivities. Military Adoption and Modern Status
