Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting large Japanese WWII-era national Hinomaru, or “meatball,” pennant flag measuring approximately 41 x 128 inches. The flag retains its original reinforced header, halyard fittings, and maker label, while the number 1 is written on both sides. The substantial attachment hardware and elongated form suggest possible maritime or naval use, though we have not been able to confirm its exact original application.

The pennant is of quality multi-piece construction, with the red sun disc formed from a separate piece of fabric sewn into the white field rather than simply printed onto the surface. The hoist measures approximately 41 inches wide and is heavily reinforced at the upper and lower corners to withstand the strain associated with suspension and prolonged use. There is some moderate dirt residue and staining to the flag.

Unlike a conventional sharply pointed pennant, this example terminates in a narrow flat end measuring approximately 11 ¾ inches wide. This unusual truncated form, combined with the reinforced hoist and surviving halyard hardware, distinguishes it from the more commonly encountered rectangular Japanese national flags and standard pointed pennants.

The Japanese national flag is commonly known as the Hinomaru (日の丸), literally “circle of the sun,” referring to the red sun disc on a white field. The motif reflects Japan’s longstanding association with the rising sun and appeared extensively on military, naval, governmental, and civilian flags throughout the Imperial period.

The combination of its impressive 128-inch length, sewn multi-piece construction, reinforced header, surviving hook and rope, maker label, paired 1 markings, and unusual flat-ended pennant form makes this an especially interesting Japanese wartime textile. Its exact service use remains worthy of further research, but the construction and surviving attachment system are consistent with a large flag intended for repeated institutional, maritime, or military display.