<P> The flag of Japan is flown at half - staff upon the death of the Emperor of Japan, other members of the Imperial Family, or a current or former Prime Minister, and also following national disasters such as the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami . In addition to the tradition of half - staff, the national flag topped by black cloth may be flown to designate mourning . See the flag of Japan for more . </P> <P> The flag of Malaysia (Jalur Gemilang) is flown at half - mast all over the country: </P> <Ul> <Li> On the death of the Yang di - Pertuan Agong (King), for seven days from the day of announcement . All state and territorial flags are also flown at half - mast for seven days, while the national royal standard is flown at half - mast from the day of the announcement until the day of the election and inauguration of the new Yang di - Pertuan Agong; </Li> <Li> On the death of the Raja Permaisuri Agong (Queen), for seven days from the day of announcement . All state and territorial flags are also flown at half - mast for seven days; </Li> <Li> On the death of a state's Ruler or Governor, as well as the spouse of a Ruler or Governor, from the day of announcement until the day of the funeral . The state flag and state royal standard may be flown at half - mast for a longer period as determined by the state government; </Li> <Li> On the death of the Prime Minister or acting Prime Minister, for three days from the day of announcement; or </Li> <Li> When the Prime Minister's Department orders to flown the Malaysian flag at half - mast for some days . </Li> </Ul> <Li> On the death of the Yang di - Pertuan Agong (King), for seven days from the day of announcement . All state and territorial flags are also flown at half - mast for seven days, while the national royal standard is flown at half - mast from the day of the announcement until the day of the election and inauguration of the new Yang di - Pertuan Agong; </Li>

Why is the flag at half mast today uk