The red sun, also known as the Hinomaru, has been a symbol of Japan for over a thousand years and is associated with strength, purity, and enlightenment. It is believed to have been first used as a military banner during the Kamakura period in the 12th century. The Japanese flag features a white background with a large red circle in the center and has been used as the national flag since 1999. While there have been controversies surrounding its use in modern-day Japan, it remains an important symbol of Japanese culture.