JAPANESE WWII RISING SUN MILITARY FLAG

This original Japanese WWII flag is officially called the "sun-rise flag" or "land of the rising sun", but is more commonly known in Japan as Hinomaru ("circle of the sun"). Also referred to by Americans as  a “Meatball” flag due to the large, red circle in the center of the flag.

The red circle is a truly iconic image used by Japanese forces throughout World War II.  In popular use since the 1870s, its origins are lost to antiquity.