EMPIRE OF JAPAN
 

The flag of the Japanese Air Force, known as the AirSelf-Defense Force (ASDF), was adopted in 1955 as the Japanese armed forces were being reestablished. On a medium blue field it displays the insignia of the ASDF in golden yellow, which is also worn as a cap badge. There have been four variants of the flag over the years; the current version was adopted in 2001.The ASDF has a standardized system of unit distinguishing flags. These have the same blue field as the ASDF flag, but the badge and other insignia are white. There are four variants: with two narrow and one wide stripe for major commands, with one narrow and one wide stripe for wings and groups, and with a broad stripe only for squadrons. The broad stripe displays a cherry blossom, the traditional badge of the Japanese soldier, between two rows of laurel. The fourth flag, for miscellaneous small units, displays the cherry blossom and laurel only, with no white stripe.The ASDF has no rank flags as such, but there are two appointment flags: one for the Chief of Staff and one for the commanding general of the Air Defense Command. These display four and three stylized cherry blossoms respectively over the ASDF badge, all in white.

UNIT FLAGS

CORPS C FLAG  • GROUPS & SQUADRONS

COMMANDING GENERAL, AIR DEFENSE COMMAND

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