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!
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Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
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Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
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Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
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Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
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Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
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Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
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No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Epic melon pancakes found at hidden cafe in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Old-school titillation: A trip to one of Tokyo’s few surviving “telephone clubs”
Osaka makes decision on terrifying mascot for upcoming world’s fair
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Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
For all chip lovers around the world! This is the ultimate ranking of potato chips in Japan
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
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Packets of powder become freshly picked strawberries in latest adult Nerunerunerune