Japanese Sailing Federation

Last modified: 2002-02-23 by phil nelson
Keywords: japanese sailing federation | hinomaru | sun: red |
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Ensign

by Jose C. Alegria

Burgee

Japanese Sailing Federation

See also:

• Yachting ensigns, Japan
• Cultural, Political and Economic flags
• Japan

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 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