Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. We are offering this wonderful "Good Luck" flag along with pretty much complete translations of the phrases and temple stamps on it, something we almost never see! It looks like this flag was brought to several different shrines, and unlike many we see, does not look to have had any additional signatures added to it after this. Definitely an interesting example!
The large bit of text in the center of the circle translates to Buunchokyu, very possibly the name of the owner. The shrines that are identified include the Kawamichi Jinja Shrine, the Hosoe Jinja Shrine, the Minamihama Jinja Shrine, and the Nishinomiya Jinja Shrine. There are several other stamps that are too smudged to read, making for a good research project. The bottom right of the flag has a signature for the Kawamichi Youth Association, a great addition.
The flag measures approximately 29” x 34”, and is made of what looks to be rayon or a rayon cotton blend, with a red "sun" dyed into the middle. Overall the flag is in excellent condition and is the real deal: a genuine US GI "bring back"!
The writing is still mostly legible, and this would make a fine display piece for a wall or glass table along with the included translation. The flag still has the original corner ties fully intact, along with corner reinforcements.
Ready to display!
The 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.
The 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.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
