1.
the Hinomaru; the Japanese national flag
The national flag of Japan, featuring a red circle on a white background. The red circle represents the sun.
日の丸 is the common everyday name for Japan's national flag, a red disc on a white background representing the sun. The name literally means "circle of the sun" — from 日 (sun) + の + 丸 (circle).
Formal name
The official name is 日章旗 (Flag of the Sun). 日の丸 is the informal name used in daily conversation.
Cultural note
The Hinomaru has been used as a symbol of Japan for centuries. It was officially designated as the national flag in 1999 by the Act on National Flag and Anthem.