The national flag of Japan is a white flag with a large re disc (representing the rising 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 disc"?). The Hinomaru was widely used on military banners in the Sengoku (Warring States) period of the 15th and 16th centuries. During the Meiji Restoration the flag was officially adopted for use as the civil ensign by Proclamation No. 57 on February 27, 1870 (27 January, Meiji 3 in the Japanese calendar). However, the flag was not adopted nationally until August 13, 1999, by the Law Concerning the National Flag and Anthem.