 |
|
EMPIRE OF JAPAN |
 |
|
MARITIME SELF-DEFENSE FORCE ENSIGNS & FLAGS |
|
The well-known Japanese naval ensign, the so-called Rising Sun Flag, was abolished at the end of World War II. In 1956, however, when a Japanese navy was reestablished with the inoffensive title of Maritime Safety Agency, the ensign and its corresponding commission pennant were brought back into use. As previously the national flag, the Hinomaru, was designated as the naval jack. A new range of rank flags, white with the device of a stylized cherry blossom, was introduced to replace those formerly used, which had been based on the ensign. Gradually, despite the renunciation of war as an instrument of policy that is enshrined in its postwar constitution, Japan built up armed forces under the name Self-Defense Forces. The new Japanese Navy is thus officially titled the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF). From modest beginnings it has gradually evolved into a modern, technologically advanced fleet, albeit one with limited ability to project power over long distances. In 2009 the MSDF marked a major step forward with the commissioning of the first of a new class of helicopter aircraft carriers. Two are currently in commission and two more of an improved type are due to enter service soon.
The current appointment
and rank flags of the MSDF are a development of the original Maritime Safety
Agency set. Usually there is only one full admiral on active duty,
serving as the chief of staff, and he has a special flag. The
Commander Class A pennant is flown by a captain commanding a naval
force; the Commander Class B pennant is flown by a commander
in command. The MSDF senior officer's pennant is similar to that of the
British Royal Navy, an echo of the traditional relationship between
the two services in earlier times. The Emperor,
the prime minister and the minister of defense all have
distinguishing flags that are hoisted whenever they are aboard a
ship of the fleet. |
