Japan’s national flag may be well-known for its simplicity—after all it’s just a big red circle in the middle of a field of white—but did you know that’s not Japan’s only flag? Every single prefecture, city, town and village has its own special flag to represent its history or what it’s famous for.
Even more commonly, many of the municipalities’ flags have stylized versions of the kanji found in their names. And when we say stylized, we mean highly stylized. We have here a selection of some of Japan’s kanji-flags, so you can see the creativity that went into each of them.
If you think you’re a kanji master, then get ready to test your skills and see how many you can guess correctly!
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Ghibli Museum building becomes a cuddly cushion
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
How to write “sakura” in Japanese (and why it’s written that way)
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Take a look inside the Future Train, a unique new restaurant diner and cafe in Kyoto
Japanese jam jar lids close on their own, as if by magic
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
How to write “sakura” in Japanese (and why it’s written that way)
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Take a look inside the Future Train, a unique new restaurant diner and cafe in Kyoto
Japanese jam jar lids close on their own, as if by magic
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Is Oni Koroshi sake in a drink box wino fuel or a hidden gem?
Japan’s Mos Burger discontinues old teriyaki burger and rolls out new recipe, but is it as good?
Elementary and junior high students speak out on Japan’s strangest school rules
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
You can now get Poké Ball-shape diamonds for your rings in Japan【Photos】
Fake police phone scam also highlights dumb stereotype about how foreigners speak Japanese[Video]