^{This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website}

Japanese Sailing Federation

Ensign

by Željko Heimer

Burgee
by Ivan Sache

Construction sheet

by Željko Heimer

See also:

The Japanese Sailing Federation ensign was designed as yacht ensign like U.S. yacht ensign which unfortunately has not been often used but replaced with civil ensign.

The ensign appears at stern of yacht at sea to indicate both member's yacht and Japanese yacht. However the ensign can be used at Federation office and some event on land as well. Meanwhile JSF's burgee appears masttop or port spreader at yacht race.

The hinomaru represents Japan and blue stands for sea. The ensign was designed by Mr K.Nagai President of Japan Graphic Designers Association and the hinomaru is a bit different from national flag; the diameter of sun-disc is 2/3 of width against 3/5 of width for national flag since the larger sun-disc is more easily recognized at sea. The ensign overall proportion is 2 by 3 and the hinomaru is 2/3 of width and length.

Thus the space of blue field is smaller and the shade is darker than Japanese Resident General flag in Korea 1905-1910 similar to the ensign.

The Federation which is not supposedly an expert in vexillology refers to U.S. yacht ensign for an example of unworkable ensign. I think they are trying their best to differ the yacht ensign from a civil ensign.

The flag can be flown from both sailing and motor boats of the members of the federation.

The JSF has 470 branches throughout Japan. Most of yacht clubs belong to the nationwide organization and this usage is not a law regulated usage.
Nozomi Kariyasu, 29 August 2000

The overall proportion is 2:3 same as national flag.

The sun disc diameter is 2/3 of width. The width of blue band is 2/3 of ensuing width.
Nozomi Kariyasu, 25 March 2004

This flag was introduced in April 1999 (concurrent with the foundation of the Sailing Federation of Japan.
Christopher Southworth, 2 May 2004