red circle on a white background (symbol of the sun)
Refers to the simple design of a red circle on a white field, representing the sun. Often used in contexts like bento (日の丸弁当) or as a generic sun motif.
I put a pickled plum on the rice in my bento, making it look like a Hinomaru.
Japanese flag; Hinomaru
The national flag of Japan. Often used in patriotic, historical, or sports contexts. The full phrase 日の丸の旗 is also common.
See also: 日の丸の旗
At the Olympics, the athletes competed under the Hinomaru flag.
Japan (metonym); Japanese government
Metonymic use where the flag stands for the nation or its government, similar to 'the Stars and Stripes' for the US. Common in news and formal writing.
Attend an international conference representing Japan.
The Hinomaru flag was raised on the school grounds during the ceremony.
He is competing in the world championship carrying the hopes of Japan.
The spectators waved the Hinomaru flag to cheer on the athletes.
Japanese semiconductor industry