Ranks and insignia of the Japan Self-Defense Forces

Following the end of World War II in Asia, after the surrender of Japan, the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy were dissolved by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in 1945, during the Allied occupation that lasted until 1952.

The 1947 constitution stipulated that armed forces with war potential will not be maintained.

The 1871–1945 Japanese military and naval ranks were phased out after World War II.

[1] The pentagramic stars on the insignia represent cherry blossoms.

Because Japanese soldiers take an oath to die to protect the lives and wealth of Japanese citizens, they have been compared to delicate cherry blossoms that break easily.