Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original Imperial Japanese WWII Army Rising Sun war flag, featuring a centered red sun with 16 radiating rays. The centered design identifies it as the Imperial Japanese Army pattern, while the Imperial Japanese Navy used a closely related ensign with the sun positioned toward the hoist.

The Rising Sun war flag, known as the Kyokujitsu-ki, was officially adopted for the Imperial Japanese Army in 1870 and remained in use through the end of WWII. Its bold sunburst design became one of the most recognizable symbols associated with the Japanese military during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This example measures approximately 30 x 36” and is made from a very fine, lightweight fabric that appears to be rayon. The exact fiber content has not been tested. The red sun and rays are dyed or printed directly into the material, creating a strong one-piece design, but there is some moderate color bleed along the red edges as shown. There is also some moderate staining with some spots of discoloration, and much of the white has developed an almost-yellow patina. There are a couple of scattered holes near the edges with some fraying in other spots as well.

This example retains both original leather corner reinforcements with the tie string still retained, which are braided ropes on this example, heavy duty.

The flag remains in very good overall condition. It shows substantial age toning and discoloration from decades of storage, together with scattered small tears and minor fabric weakness. The colors remain clearly visible despite the bleed, and the full Rising Sun design presents well.

The flag would benefit from careful conservation framing to support the fragile fabric and corner reinforcements. It should not be placed under tension or hung solely from the original tie strings.

With its desirable centered Army pattern, complete sunburst design, original corner reinforcements, surviving tie strings, and impressive age-toned appearance, this is an attractive original Imperial Japanese WWII flag that would make an excellent framed display. There are a couple of holes, but they do not detract from the displayability of the flag.