[WORLD WAR II]. Japanese Rising Sun Flag. Circa 1930s/40s. WWII-era Rising Sun silk flag with original red ties. 37 x 47?. Some staining. The origins of the Rising Sun flag can be traced to feudal warlords who claimed it as a battle banner during the Edo period. In 1870 it was adopted as the war flag of the Japanese Imperial Army. Following Japan?s defeat in 1945 the flag?s use was discontinued by order of Allied command. In 1954 a slightly modified version of the flag was introduced and has acted as the official ensign of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.