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.