The KIT Emblem derives from the School Flag.

The Flag, designed by Takeo Nakayama, Class of 1924 (Mechanical Engineering), was chosen in the school-wide contest held in 1931, in which many faculty members, students and alumni participated.

The Flag is called "Hoo-Ryuu" (Phoenix-Dragon), which symbolizes the spirit of the Meiji College of Technology (re-instituted as Kyushu Institute of Technology in 1949). According to a memorial post-card, celebrating the establishment of the School Flag, the legend goes:

Crimson and Dark Gray in the back symbolizes manufacture, depicting molten iron and hard steel. The figure in the middle resembles the Phoenix and the Dragon, but it is not either of them; it is a spirit that transcends both of them. The Wings spreading from eyes through ears express surpassing wisdom and infinite knowledge. The Orb in the huge mouth represents the activities of the School to disseminate the virtue of glorious harmony throughout the society.