Joetsu [Niigata prefecture Japan]

City of Joetsu adopted emblem (in Japanese) on 10 December 1971 by Notice No 76; adoption date of flag:: 23 December 1972 by Notice No 101

flag proportion: 2:3
colour of field: green
colour of emblem: white
other points follows national flag specification
height of emblem: 3/5 flag height

A stylized kanji Jo 上

Source: City of Joetsu
(link no longer available) Nozomi Kariyasu, 18 January 2006

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The emblem consists of the kanji jo 上 (upper, above, top, etc) written with the appearance of cursive script in a circle. The shape, bringing to mind new leaves, heads towards a/the new "Sea of Japan Era" (?) and represents unlimited development/growth.

The colour of the field is described as "grey green", and despite the fact that the specifications are said to be as for the national flag, the illustration looks quite square!
Jonathan Dixon, 28 April 2006