{"product_id":"original-japanese-wwii-hand-painted-cloth-good-luck-flag-28-x-35","title":"Original Japanese WWII Hand Painted Cloth Good Luck Flag - 28\" x 34\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: One-of-a-kind. Just purchased from a Pacific War collector at a military show! This hand painted cloth flag is marked with battle quotes, usually phrases such as \"Banzai\", and \"Good Luck\". As with most good luck flags, it is marked with \u003cstrong\u003e久 長 運 武\u003c\/strong\u003e, which reads Bu un Chou kyu (\"May your military fortunes be long lasting.\"). This is written bottom to top vertically in the line closest to the right edge of the flag. Above this is the character \u003cstrong\u003e祈\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which means \"Prayer\", so this particular flag is praying for good luck in battle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe flag measures approximately 28\" x 34\", and looks to be made of light canvas or linen. It has a red \"sun\" dyed into the middle, and the flag is in very good condition. This is the real deal: a genuine USGI \"bring back\"!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flag itself has many light stains and small holes, as well as overall age toning. The writing is still quite legible, and this would make a fine display piece for a wall or glass table, or a translation project. The flag has leather corner reinforcements, which have dried out over the years, and the hang ties are present, but a bit worn. This is definitely a flag that saw service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReady to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Good Luck Flag, known as \u003cem\u003ehinomaru yosegaki\u003c\/em\u003e (日の丸 寄せ書き) in the Japanese language, was a traditional gift for Japanese servicemen deployed during the military campaigns of the Empire of Japan, though most notably during World War II. The flag given to a soldier was a national flag signed by friends and family, often with short messages wishing the soldier victory, safety, and good luck.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Japanese call their country's flag hinomaru, which translates literally to \"sun-round\", referencing the red circle on a white field. When the hinomaru was signed, the Japanese characters were usually written vertically, and radiated outward from the edge of the red circle. This practice is referenced in the second term, yosegaki, meaning \"sideways-writing\". The phrase hinomaru-yosegaki can be interpreted as \"To write sideways around the red sun\", describing the appearance of the signed flag. This particular example completely unique is written in old KANJI the writing are mainly Japanese names of this soldier's family and friends with quotes and phrases.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39801920618565,"sku":"ONSV22DCS63","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV22DCS63__01.jpg?v=1644512980","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-japanese-wwii-hand-painted-cloth-good-luck-flag-28-x-35","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}