This is a list of Japanese flags, past and present. Historically, each daimyà  had his own flag. (See sashimono and uma-jirushi.)
Flags attributed to Japanese Daimyo in the Kaei period (1848-54).
Each modern prefecture has a unique flag, most often a bicolour geometric highly stylised design (mon), often incorporating the letters of Japanese writing system and resembling company logos. A distinct feature of these flags is that they use a palette of colours not usually found in flags, including orange, purple, aquamarine and brown.
Some prefectures also have alternative official flags called . They may be used on less formal occasions. Famous symbol flags include the one used in Tokyo.
Most municipalities have unique flags. Like prefectural flags, most of them are with a bicolour geometric highly stylized symbol, often incorporating Japanese characters.