ZFC0979 - Imperial Japanese Naval Ensign was adopted in 1889; and has its origins in the Imperial War flag adopted in 1870. Like the war flag, the ensign added 16 rays to the Hinomaru, or "Disk of the Sun", national flag, but offset the red center disc towards the hoist. This is a graphic representation of Nippon, or that Japan is literally the "Land of the Sun. This ensign was used until 1945 when the Imperial Japanese Navy was disbanded. The design was resurrected by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force in 1954.
From the Louise Veninga Collection.

ZFC Noteworthy Flag