Houseflags of Japanese shipping companies

image by Jarig Bakker, 16 September 2005
Source: Brown’s Flags and Funnels of Shipping Companies of the World, 1995 [lgr95]

Tokyo - triband red-white-red; in the center, a red disk
Jarig Bakker, 16 September 2005

Nishi-Nihon Kisen K.K.

image by Jarig Bakker, 20 October 2005
Source: Brown's Flags and Funnels of Shipping Companies of the World [lgr95]

Osaka - 5 horizontal stripes of white and red; in center red "N" fimbriated white.
Jarig Bakker, 20 October 2005

Nissan Kisen K.K.

image by Phil Nelson
Source: Flags, Funnels and Hull Colours, 1963 [ste63]

According to an authoritative source the breaks are probably straight, not forked but this is not certain and Brown 1958 compounds the confusion by showing the bands unbroken and surmounted by a squared black "S". The company was formed 1937 and in 1964 merged into Showa Kaiun K.K.
Neale Rosanoski, 5 March 2003

Nissan Motor Car Carriers Co., Ltd.

image by Jarig Bakker, 20 October 2005
Source: Brown's Flags and Funnels of Shipping Companies of the World [lgr95]

Nissho Shipping Co.

Founded in 1943 as Nissan Kinkai Kisen K.K., Nissho Shipping Co. ("We Love Sea") is a transporter of - quoting Mr Takehiko Okobu, President, "crude oil, petroleum products, petrochemicals, LPG and dry cargoes".

The company website (English version) notes that this Tokyo based firm is not only active in shipping (including agencies) but deals in the commodities transported as well (section About Us / Company Profile). As the fleet list shows, the Panamanian flag is prevalent.

The History section mentions the above mentioned name change which occurred in 1951, the company joining Nippon Mining one year later. In 1964, putting government guidelines to the practice, Nissho integrated with Yamashita Shinnihon Steamship Group. Ever more modern ships were launched in the course of the years; Singapore became a special target for international expansion and cooperation e.g. Odyssey Maritime.

Again, a very simple house flag: white with a very large red initial ‘N’ (without serifs). A real-life flag can be seen in a second photo, the launching of ‘Golden Jupiter’.
Jan Mertens, 10 April 2007

Nipponkai Kisen K.K.

Nishi-Nihon Kisen K.K.

Nissan Kisen K.K.

Nissan Motor Car Carriers Co., Ltd.

Nissho Shipping Co.