Till comparatively quite recent times the Japanese naval ensign was the
same as the present jack and mercantile flag. The first battleships
flew this white flag with the red ball, and the now well-known Japanese
naval ensign only dates from the Itsukushima. It is very rarely
correctly represented. The accompanying illustration shows it as it
actually is; usually the sun is put in the centre instead of in its
proper place.
Admirals’ flags are remarkable in that they follow the Russian system
of marking by bands at the edges, instead of the almost universal balls
or stars which other nations employ.
The other flags illustrated do not call for comment to any extent, as
they follow existing custom in all navies.
The device on the Imperial Standard is the national chrysanthemum. It
is the personal flag of the Emperor. This badge, by the way, is found
upon the device on the caps of all officers.