Taira

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In Japanese history, a military clan prominent in the 10th to 12th centuries and dominant at court 1159–85. Their destruction by their rivals, the Minamoto,in 1185 is the subject of the 13th-century literary classic Heike Monogatari/The Tale of the Heike.

The star, which was added to the flag in 1793, initially had more than five points. The star may represent the Morning Star mentioned in the Koran. Effective date: 5 June 1936. >>