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Tohokai (Japanese fascist organization)

by Jaume Ollé

Founded: 1936 by Seigo Nakano.

See also:

Nakano killed himself in 1943 and the organization was banned 1945. Flag is based in letter meaning East. Another flag is based in Tohokai flag and swastika. It is very popular as it has been used in temples for hundred of years.

Source: Nava News 166
Jaume Ollé 26 June 2001

The Buddhist Swastika (manji, in Japanese) symbol is found among the primitive cultures of such distant countries as Babylon, Assyria, Italy, Greece, Hungary, England, Mexico and Peru. It was came to Japan from India thru China, and associated from the beginning with Buddhism . Although widely displayed, particularly on Buddhist temple architecture, the swastika does not appear to have borne a heavy burden of symbolism in Japan.

Rather, it was interpreted primarily as bringing good luck and was even sometimes used as a hidden cross by Japanese Christians when Christianity was banned in the 1630's. The Buddhist swastika can be found in some current Japanese municipalities flag as well as Daimyo flags in 17-18th century. Most of them are left-handed but also right-handed one exists.
Nozomi Kariyasu, 27 June 2001