Nisshoki
(The rising sun flag. Also known as Hinomaru)

RATIO and POSITION
height : width = 2 : 3
the rising sun at the center of the flags
diameter : three-fifths of the flags' height

COLORING
base : white
the rising sun : deep red

Japan : National Anthem
Kimigayo wa
Chiyo ni yachiyo ni
Sazare-ishi no
Iwao to narite
Koke no musu made

English translation
May your reign
Continue for a thousand, eight thousand generations,
Until the pebbles
Grow into boulders
Lush with moss

Download Instrumental MP3 File (2.6MB)
Played by Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (Ministry of Defense)

Poetic English translation by Basil Hall Chamberlain
Thousands of years of happy reign be thine;
Rule on, my lord, until what are pebbles now
By ages united to mighty rocks shall grow
Whose venerable sides the moss doth line.