Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original Japanese WWII hinomaru yosegaki, or signed Good Luck flag, bearing 86 names and several well wishes written around the central red sun. The flag is accompanied by a page containing partial translations and historical context, providing an excellent starting point for further research.

The largest inscription on the right side has been translated as:

PRAYERS FOR ETERNAL GOOD FORTUNE IN WAR

A prominent inscription on the left identifies the recipient as:

MR. SHIGEJI TAMURA

Below and around this dedication are the names of 86 well-wishers, reportedly including coworkers and members of Tamura’s local community. Additional inscriptions remain untranslated, but much of the writing is still visible despite some fading.

Flags of this type were traditionally presented to Japanese servicemen by relatives, friends, coworkers, classmates, and community members before their departure for military service. Each signer added a name or short patriotic message wishing the recipient courage, victory, safety, and good fortune.

The Japanese national flag is commonly known as the hinomaru, referring to the red sun disc on a white field. The term yosegaki describes a collection of inscriptions contributed by multiple people. On wartime examples, the names and messages were often written vertically and arranged around the central sun, creating the distinctive appearance seen here.

The flag measures approximately 27 1/2" by 34". It is made from a very lightweight, silk-like fabric that appears to be rayon, although the precise fiber content has not been tested. The central red sun is a separate dyed fabric panel sewn into the white field.

Remnants of both original corner reinforcements remain present. These appear to have been made from blue fabric, and both original tie strings are still attached.

Condition is very good overall considering its age and fragile construction. The flag displays pronounced creases and fold marks from long-term storage, together with fading to portions of the writing. There are also several minor singe or scorch marks along the edge, apparently caused by brief exposure to fire.

The fabric remains substantially intact, but the weakened corner reinforcements, fold lines, and singed areas should be handled carefully. The flag would benefit from professional conservation framing with full textile support rather than being suspended from the original tie strings.

This example has traditionally been described as a battlefield pickup, but no capture papers or documented veteran provenance accompany it. Its precise wartime history and the circumstances under which it left Japan therefore remain unknown.

The named recipient, unusually large number of signatures, translated dedication, complete tie strings, surviving blue corner reinforcements, and accompanying translation sheet make this a particularly appealing and highly researchable Japanese WWII Good Luck flag. Properly framed, it would make an impressive centerpiece in an Imperial Japanese or Pacific War collection.