Japan's Flag The national flag of Japan was adopted in 1854. It has a very simple design, merely a white expanse with a red circle in the middle. The flag is called the Hinomaru by the Japanese and its symbol, the red disc existed in Japan hundreds or thousands of years ago. Hinomaru means "Circle of the Sun." The white background of the flag symbolizes honesty and purity. The red color represents sincerity and passion. The circle-shape or disc stands for the sun, which for 2,500 years has been a symbol of the emperor whom they believed to be a descendant of the sun goddess. National Anthem The National Anthem is called "Kimigayo" which means 'The Reign of Our Emperor.' May the reign of the Emperor continue for a thousand, nay, Other National Symbols The Chrysanthemum is one of the three Japanese national flowers. It is a symbol of the emperor and is on his crest and his throne is even named after the Chrysanthemum. The plum blossom represents the first sign of spring. The cherry blossom is the traditional national flower. The tancho, also known as the red-crowned crane, the largest crane species in the world, is Japan's national bird. Japan is often associated with the crane since it is a popular figure to make in origami. Also in the Karate Kid, the karate kid's final move is called the Crane. It's a symbol of good fortune and long life.
eight thousand generations and for the eternity that it takes for
small pebbles to grow into a great rock and become covered with moss.