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, and associates. The writing remains unusually clear throughout, making this a particularly impressive display piece with excellent potential for further translation and research.

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

Numerous additional inscriptions radiate outward around the red sun in the traditional manner. Most appear to be personal names, accompanied by patriotic expressions and wishes for victory, courage, safety, and success.

One of the more prominent inscriptions has been interpreted as referring to Colonel and Police Officer Tobishima Yonezo. It is not currently known whether this individual was the recipient of the flag, an important signer, a family acquaintance, or a local official lending his name and support to the presentation. Additional translation may reveal more about his connection to the grouping.

Many other names and messages remain untranslated, but the calligraphy is largely distinct and legible. This offers an excellent opportunity for additional study and may ultimately reveal the identity, hometown, military association, or social circle of the original serviceman.

The flag measures approximately 27" by 37 1/2" and retains both original white leather corner reinforcements, along with the attached tie strings. These fittings allowed the flag to be secured, carried, or displayed by its owner.

The body is made from a lightweight, silk-like fabric that appears to be rayon, an early manufactured fiber commonly used for Japanese flags during the period. The exact material has not been laboratory tested. The central red sun is a separate dyed fabric panel sewn into the white field rather than being painted directly onto the surface.

Condition is excellent overall. The flag retains strong color and clear inscriptions, with only expected fold lines and scattered staining from age and storage. Both leather corner tabs and the tie strings remain present, and there is no major fabric loss noted in the supplied description.

The Good Luck flag, known in Japanese as hinomaru yosegaki, was traditionally presented to a departing serviceman by family members, friends, coworkers, classmates, or members of his local community. Signers commonly wrote their names and short patriotic messages around the central sun, 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 red center, as seen on this flag.

With its unusually extensive inscriptions, prominent “Unconquerable Spirit” message, possible association with Tobishima Yonezo, complete leather corner reinforcements, and excellent overall preservation, this is one of the strongest Japanese WWII Good Luck flags we have encountered. It would make an outstanding centerpiece for a Japanese militaria collection and offers substantial potential for deeper historical and genealogical research.