Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is a very interesting original Imperial Japanese WWII flag set consisting of two Japanese national Hinomaru flags stored inside a cylindrical transit or storage case decorated with a painted red sun. The flags are made from two different lightweight fabrics and retain strong dyed designs, while the unusual case gives the grouping excellent display and research appeal.

The set was reportedly brought back from the Pacific Theater following WWII. However, no written capture papers, veteran identification, or other bring-back documentation accompanies the grouping, so its precise wartime history and original location of use remain unknown.

Both flags display the Japanese national design of a centered red sun on a white field, commonly known as the Hinomaru. Unlike the radiating Rising Sun military flag, the Hinomaru served as Japan’s national flag and was widely displayed by military units, government facilities, schools, businesses, civic organizations, and private citizens.

The two flags may have been stored for display on national holidays, patriotic observances, military ceremonies, or other special occasions. Comparable Japanese wartime flag sets are known in fitted cases with inscriptions referring to flag storage or specific ceremonial dates. However, the painted Kanji on this case is too worn to permit a reliable translation, so its exact intended use cannot be confirmed.

The first flag is made from an extremely thin, silk-like material that appears to be silk or rayon. The exact fiber content has not been tested. It measures approximately 26" by 35" and has a dyed red sun at the center.

This flag shows scattered staining and discoloration, including areas that may have resulted from prolonged exposure to sunlight while displayed. It does not have corner reinforcements or tie strings, suggesting that it may originally have been attached to a pole or mounting system by another method.

The second flag measures approximately 27" by 33" and is constructed from a thin cotton-like material. Its centered red sun is also dyed directly into the fabric.

This flag is in considerably more fragile condition, with extensive tearing and separation along the old fold lines. The fabric has weakened substantially from age and storage and should not be unfolded repeatedly or placed under tension. Like the first flag, it has no corner reinforcements or surviving tie strings.

The cylindrical case measures approximately 4" in diameter and 8 1/4" tall. A red Hinomaru sun is painted prominently on the side, along with five Japanese characters. Heavy wear, fading, and paint loss have rendered the inscription unreadable from the supplied information.

The case shows expected age, handling wear, surface loss, staining, and deterioration but remains an especially appealing component of the set. Its compact dimensions suggest that the lightweight flags were tightly folded and stored inside between periods of use.

The flags should be handled as fragile historic textiles. The heavily torn cotton example would benefit from professional conservation mounting, while the finer silk or rayon flag should be supported across its full surface if framed. Neither should be hung solely from the surviving fabric.

The combination of two differently constructed wartime Japanese national flags and their painted storage case makes this a particularly unusual grouping. The worn Kanji, contrasting fabrics, original dyed designs, and reported Pacific Theater bring-back history provide excellent potential for additional research and an impressive display from the Japanese Home Front or military occupation period.