{"product_id":"original-japanese-wwii-hand-painted-silk-good-luck-flag-with-lots-of-signatures-page-of-translations-28-x-33","title":"Original Japanese WWII Hand-Painted Silk Good Luck Flag with Lots of Signatures \u0026 Page of Translations - 28 x 32½”","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a great example of a Japanese Good Luck flag, with the names of dozens of Japanese friends and family of the departing soldier. There are also some well wishes, with the largest at the top reading \u003cstrong\u003ePrayers for Eternal Good Fortune in War.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flag measures roughly 28 x 32 1\/2” and retains both of its original leather corner reinforcements. Both have their original tie strings. The flag is in heavily flown and worn condition with heavy creasing and some tearing along the edges. This example was likely a battlefield pickup. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flag comes with a page of partial translations. There is an inscription on the back of the flag which was partially translated as \u003cstrong\u003eOctober 2, 1939 ordered to… , On October 9, 1939 entered the Chinese fortress of…\u003c\/strong\u003e, so it appears this soldier was ordered to China. One note reads as \u003cstrong\u003eFor Mr. Eijiro Kusaka\u003c\/strong\u003e, possibly the name of the soldier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther inscriptions include \u003cstrong\u003ePurity in Service to the Nation, Hopes for your Good Health, and “Fudo-Myo-Oh”,\u003c\/strong\u003e the name of a fierce Buddhist deity that wields a fiery blade, a photo of which is also included with the flag. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flag is made of what appears to be rayon cloth, an early form of synthetic cloth made from wood, with the red \"sun\" dyed piece sewn into the middle. The flag is in fair but rough condition and is the real deal. The writing is still mostly legible, and this would make a fine display piece for a wall or glass table. These are getting harder and harder to find in any condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReady to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43448838553669,"sku":"ONSV25OKC048","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV25OKC048__01.jpg?v=1755709832","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-japanese-wwii-hand-painted-silk-good-luck-flag-with-lots-of-signatures-page-of-translations-28-x-33","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}