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 26 x 36 ½” 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. There are a couple of scattered holes near the edges with some fraying in other spots but this example has held up well overall.

There are no corner reinforcements attached to this example, but there are two original tie strings at the corners, a desirable feature often missing from surviving examples.

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, and the full Rising Sun design presents very 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.