Japan

Red text over a black outline of a rectangle with a red circle in the center on a white background

The official flag of Japan consists of a red disc in the middle of a white rectangular banner and is known as either the Nisshoki or Hinomaru in Japanese.  This version of the Japanese flag has been in use since 1870 and has historical and mythological roots. It is believed that the emperor of Japan is the direct descendant of Amaterasu, the sun goddess which is an important deity in the Shinto religion.