expression, noun
Imperial standard; brocade banner
Historical term for the banner used by the Imperial court, especially during the Boshin War, to legitimize a military force as the Imperial army.
戊辰戦争では、錦の御旗を掲げた側が官軍とされた。
In the Boshin War, the side that raised the Imperial standard was considered the Imperial army.
expression, noun
worthy cause; noble banner
Idiomatic extension: used to describe a cause or principle invoked to justify an action, often with a nuance of self-righteousness or pretext. Common in phrases like 錦の御旗に掲げる.
彼は「改革」を錦の御旗に掲げて、反対派を押さえつけた。
He used 'reform' as his noble banner to suppress the opposition.
環境保護を錦の御旗にする企業が増えている。
More and more companies are using environmental protection as their worthy cause.