The national flag of Japan is a white flag with a large red disc (representing the Sun) in the center. The flag's official name in Japanese is Nisshōki (日章旗?, "sun flag") but the flag is more commonly known as Hinomaru (日の丸?, "sun circle"). The Hinomaru was first designated as the legal national flag from 1870–1885 and did not regain that recognition until August 13, 1999 with the Law Regarding the National Flag and National Anthem.