Act on National Flag and Anthem (Japan)

Act on National Flag and Anthem 国旗及び国歌に関する法律
As published in the official gazette (August 15, 1999)
Ratified	August 13, 1999
Location	Japan
Purpose	To ratify the national flag and anthem of Japan

The Act on National Flag and Anthem (国旗及び国歌に関する法律, Kokki Oyobi Kokka ni Kansuru Hōritsu^?) (abbreviated as 国旗国歌法) is a law that formally established Japan's national flag and anthem. Before its ratification on August 13, 1999, there was no official flag or anthem for Japan. The nisshōki (日章旗^?) flag, commonly referred to as the hinomaru (日の丸^?), had represented Japan unofficially since 1870; "Kimigayo" (君が代^?) had been used as Japan's de facto anthem since 1880.

After Japan's defeat in World War II, there were suggestions to legislate the hinomaru and Kimigayo as the official symbols of Japan. However, a law to establish the hinomaru and Kimigayo as official in 1974 failed in the Diet, due to the opposition of the Japan Teachers Union that insists they have a connection with Japanese militarism. It was suggested that both the hinomaru and Kimigayo should be made official after a school principal in Hiroshima committed suicide over a dispute regarding the use of the flag and anthem in a school ceremony.