noun
rising sun
A somewhat literary or formal term for the morning sun as it rises. Often used in poetic, ceremonial, or symbolic contexts, such as in the name of the Japanese order 旭日章 (Order of the Rising Sun).
旭日が山の端から顔を出した。
The rising sun appeared over the mountain ridge.
彼は旭日章を受章した。
He was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun.
朝日 is the common, everyday word for 'morning sun' or 'rising sun'. 旭日 is more literary and formal, and is rarely used in casual conversation.
Compound of 旭 (morning sun, rising sun) and 日 (sun). The reading きょくじつ is the on'yomi of both characters.