Name

The Hokorian State was originally founded as the ‘Republic of Aweland’. Aweland is a combination of ‘awesome’ and ‘land’. Aweland became Hokoria in 2023, its name coming from the Japanese word for ‘pride’ (hokori).

The issue with ‘hokori’

Though intended as a nod to Hokoria being founded in response to the UK becoming a worse place for LGBTQ+ people, as well as creating a community that everyone involved can be ‘proud’ of, hokori actually means pride, arrogance, conceit, egoism, egotism and self-love.

These are not positive terms and are not terms that the Koru believes the state should be associated with.

Name proposals

We are seeking proposals from the public for a new name for the Hokorian State. The name must be unique and link to the nation in some way or shape- this could be from places in our geographic location, our national principles or something else.

Geographic location

The Hokorian State has two territories: Dama (bordering Leeds, UK in the town of Yeadon) and Serenia (bordering Hong Kong).

National principles

• That every Hokorian be welcomed into the community as an equal.
• That every person empowers each other to give the power to make decisions that concern themselves.
• That every person shows respect towards and interest in the Hokorian State and the Government, regardless of differing political or social beliefs.
• That every person stands against fascism, bigotry and conflict.

Flag

The national flag was designed by Andrew Snye, officially adopted on December 26, 2023. It bears seven navy stripes and seven white stars which represent the seven former regions of Hokoria.

Former and current flags

We are seeking proposals from the public for a new flag for the Hokorian State, as well as thoughts on whether a new flag is needed at all.

The flag should ideally keep the colour blue (similar to the current shade is preferred but not essential). It should have a symbolic link to the nation in some way or shape.