The design of the rising sun has been a part of Japanese identity for centuries, long before its association with modern conflicts.
The flag is a major point of diplomatic tension in East Asia.
: After a brief prohibition by Allied authorities following World War II, a modified 16-ray version was re-adopted in 1954 as the ensign for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
: 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 .
The flag's formal role in the Japanese military began in the late 19th century: