Kochi
prefectureskatakanamaroonwhite
The flag of Kochi features a white mon emblem on a maroon-red field. The emblem is a stylised katakana character コ (ko), the first syllable of Kochi, rendered as a bold, angular frame-like shape. The strong, open design reflects the independent spirit of the Tosa region. The deep red background represents the passionate character of the people and the prefecture's famous bonito-tataki cuisine.
Kochi's Shimanto River is called 'Japan's last clear stream', and the prefecture is famous for yosakoi dancing, which has spread to festivals across Japan.
Adopted: 1953
