Ojiya [Niigata prefecture Japan]

Ojiya adopted the emblem and flag: 11 August 1984

flag proportion: 7:10

colour of field: emerald green
colour of emblem: deep purplish red (enji iro)
A kanji O and outline of emblem
height of emblem: 42/100 flag height

A stylized kanji O 小 and snow crystals

Source: City of Ojiya website and a subsidiary page at the site. (links in Japanese)
Nozomi Kariyasu, 18 January 2006

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The outer border of the emblem is in the shape of a snowflake, as Ojiya is in the "Snow Country". Inside the border is a stylised kanji o 小 (small). The character forms a circle (resembling a tennis ball), symbolising the grand development of the "snow-conquering" city through the harmony and co-operation of the citizens.

As mentioned already, the height of the emblem is 42/70 the height of the flag. The emblem is shifted 1/100 of the length of the flag towards the hoist. The green represents beautiful, abundantly green nature. The red hints at the energy of the strong citizens, uncrushed by the snow. The colours are intended to symbolise a city overflowing with vitality.
Jonathan Dixon, 7 March 2006