Original Item: One-of-a-kind. Just purchased from a Pacific War collector at a military show! This hand painted cloth flag has several Japanese phrases written on it, and also is marked with three different "temple stamps" in the upper left corner. These stamps are only seen on a minority of these flags, and definitely add to the appeal.

As with most good luck flags, it is marked with 久 長 運 武, which reads Bu un Chou kyu ("May your military fortunes be long lasting.") on the right hand side, written bottom to top. Above this is the character 祈, which means "Prayer", so this particular flag is praying for good luck in battle. The flag measures approximately 27" x 33", and is looks to be made of cotton, with the red "sun" dyed into the middle. Flag is in good condition and is the real deal: a genuine USGI "bring back"! 

The flag itself has some stains and fraying, as well as overall age toning. It definitely looks to have been displayed for some period of time, and now has some small holes and tears in the fabric. The writing is still quite legible, and this would make a fine display piece for a wall or glass table. The leather corner reinforcements are still present, along with the original hanger ties.

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.