Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptional original Japanese WWII hinomaru yosegaki, or signed Good Luck flag, covered with the handwritten names and well wishes of dozens of the departing serviceman’s friends, relatives, coworkers, and associates. The inscriptions remain unusually clear throughout, giving the flag excellent visual appeal and strong potential for additional translation and research.

The largest inscription across the upper portion has been translated as:

PRAYERS FOR ETERNAL GOOD FORTUNE IN WAR

The prominent name on the right side has been translated as:

MORIHIKO ANDO

This most likely identifies the serviceman for whom the flag was prepared, although a complete translation of the surrounding inscriptions would be needed to confirm his precise relationship to the flag.

Numerous additional names radiate outward from the central red sun in the traditional manner. Most appear to be personal names, together with a small number of patriotic expressions and wishes for victory, courage, safety, and success.

Many of the inscriptions remain untranslated, but the calligraphy is largely distinct and legible. Further study may reveal additional information concerning Ando’s family, workplace, hometown, military association, or wider social circle.

The flag measures approximately 28 1/2" by 33 1/2" and retains both leather corner reinforcements. Tie strings are also present, although they may have been added or replaced at a later date. These fittings allowed the flag to be secured, carried, or displayed.

The body is made from a lightweight, silk-like fabric that appears to be rayon, although the exact fiber content has not been tested. The central red sun is a separate dyed fabric panel sewn into the white field rather than painted directly onto the surface.

Condition is very good overall. The flag retains strong color and clear inscriptions, with expected fold lines, creasing, and scattered staining from age and storage. There are also several areas of tearing and small holes across the fabric, all of which should be reviewed carefully in the accompanying photographs. Despite this wear, the flag remains substantially complete and highly displayable.

The Good Luck flag, known in Japanese as a hinomaru yosegaki, was traditionally presented to a departing serviceman by family members, friends, coworkers, classmates, and members of his local community. Each signer contributed a name or short message, creating a deeply personal keepsake intended to accompany the recipient during his military service.

The Japanese national flag is commonly called the hinomaru, referring to the red sun disc on a white field. The word yosegaki describes a collection of inscriptions written by multiple people. On wartime examples, the writing was often arranged vertically and radiated outward from the central sun, as seen here.

The named recipient, prominent translated dedication, unusually clear inscriptions, surviving leather corner tabs, and extensive research potential make this a particularly desirable Japanese WWII Good Luck flag. Properly framed with full textile support, it would make an outstanding centerpiece in an Imperial Japanese or Pacific War collection.