ABSTRACT

Flags showing the rising sun were used by some of the noted clan heads in ancient days. The first display of the sun flag as the symbol of the nation was on the occasion of the trip to the United States, in 1860, of the first embassy ever sent abroad by the government. The ship flew the American flag at the stern, the Japanese flag at the bow. The Kimigayo is recognized as one of the most dignified and most beautiful national anthems in the world. Situated as she is in a volcanic zone, Japan suffers from fre-quentae earthquakes and consequently from many volcanic eruptions, which, according to the ancient idea of the Japanese, are a furnace for burning up all dust and garbage of the sea. In 1889, when the Constitution of Japan was promulgated, “Banzai”, as it is shouted, was heard in many places.