Japanese Naval Rank Flags (1870-1944)

Last modified: 2002-02-23 by phil nelson
Keywords: naval rank flags: japan | sun (red) | sun (white) | anchor | rays: (red and white) | cherry blossom |
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• Japanese Rank Flags, 1870-1944
• Secretary of the Navy
• Admiral rank flag
• Vice Admiral rank flag
• Rear Admiral rank flag
• Commodore rank flag
• Senior Officer rank flag

• Japanese military flags
• Japan

These are older rank flags, I have noted that the rank flags were approved at the same time [1870] as the Naval Ensign and other naval flags. I have no source to support this note, so perhaps someone could confirm or deny this date. Of course, all were abandoned on 14 August 1945 at the end of World War II.
C. Eugene Baldwin, 01 December 1998

by Jaume Ollé

This flag was adopted on November 25, 1871 as Japanese Navy Ensign but did not become the flag of Secretary of the Navy until October 7, 1889 when it was replaced with the current famous Naval ensign with 16 red rays.

The cherry blossom and anchor with two lines flag was then slightly modified (thicker objects) and used as a flag of Minister of Navy ministry until end of World War II.
Nozomi Kariyasu, 6 February 2000

by Jaume Ollé

The admiral's flag section was used by admirals, vice admirals and rear admirals between October 7, 1889 and Jan 4 1897. The flag was used only by admiral from January 4, 1897 until end of WWII. The old admiral flag was a state flag (hinomaru) with red border used between October 3, 1870 and October 7, 1889.
Nozomi Kariyasu, 11 February 2000

by Jaume Ollé

The vice admiral flag and rear admiral flags were used from January 4, 1897 until end of World War II. The old vice admiral flag was a state flag with dark blue border used between October 3, 1870 and November 29, 1871. Between November 29, 1871 and October 7, 1889 the state flag with red border was used also for vice admiral.
Nozomi Kariyasu, 11 February 2000

by Jaume Ollé

The old rear admiral flag was a state flag with yellow border used between October 3, 1870 and Nov 29 1871. Between Nov 29 1871 and Oct 7 1889 the state flag with red