{"product_id":"original-japanese-wwii-hand-painted-good-luck-flag-with-lots-of-signatures-minor-translations-26-x-31","title":"Original Japanese WWII Hand Painted Good Luck Flag with Lots of Signatures \u0026 Minor Translations - 26 x 31”","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a great example of a Japanese Good Luck flag, with the well-wishes of dozens of several friends and family of the departing soldier. The largest at the left reads \u003cstrong\u003eWish Buun Chokyu\u003c\/strong\u003e, (May Your Military Fortune be Long Lasting) and the soldier’s name is on the right of the flag, covered with the title “Sergeant Major”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the right of the flag is the kanji for “Tiger”. The rest of the markings appear to be signatures. There is a small strip of paper with the translations listed above. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flag measures roughly 26 x 31” and retains both of its original corner reinforcements, which are bronze leaf. Both tie strings are retained as well. The flag is in heavily flown and worn condition with heavy creasing. This example was likely a battlefield pickup. The writing is still clear, however.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flag is made of what appears to be rayon cloth, an early form of synthetic cloth made from wood, with the red \"sun\" dyed piece sewn into the middle. The flag is in great overall condition and is the real deal. The writing is still mostly legible, and this would make a fine display piece for a wall or glass table. These are getting harder and harder to find in any condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReady to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Good Luck Flag, known as hinomaru yosegaki (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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45176333008965,"sku":"ONSV26GCS063","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26GCS063__01.jpg?v=1781714545","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-japanese-wwii-hand-painted-good-luck-flag-with-lots-of-signatures-minor-translations-26-x-31","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}