Original Item: One-of-a-kind. Just purchased from a large military auction with a translation “key”!. This hand painted cloth flag is marked with battle quotes such as "Banzai", and "Good Luck for Bravery". As with many good luck flags, the flag is marked on the top with the Japanese phrase 久 長 運 武 祈, which reads Bu un Chou kyu Inoru ("A prayer that your military fortunes be long lasting.") There is a lot of writing on this flag, correctly radiating outward from the central "sun", which are most likely the names of many friends and family. Thankfully most of the Japanese writing looks to be in the standard block style script, or "Kaisho" style.

There is however some writing in "gyōsho" "Semi-Cursive", as well as one or two lines in the very stylized sōsho style. Sōsho, or 'grass style', is a cursive style of Japanese calligraphy that is thought to reflect wind blowing over grass. Sōsho is the most abstract of the three approaches and is, therefore, the most difficult to read and understand. There are clear differences between the writing of some phrases, so this was definitely done by multiple people.

We were fortunate enough to receive a basic, yet crude translation which we replicated (the best we could) on an image of the flag itself. Be sure to check the photographs to see the translation. Normally we receive these without translations or are simply “basic” types signed by friends and family, however this one is different. Not only is it named to a Mr. Matsutaro Kani, but it’s also signed by Imperial Japanese Army Lieutenant General Kurosaki Nobujiro. Unfortunately we have not been able to find records on either individual, making for an excellent research and translation project.

The flag measures approximately 26” x 36", and is made of what appears to be rayon, with the red "sun" dyed into the middle. Overall the flag is in good service worn condition, showing overall staining as well as long tears in the fabric from wear and use. This is the real deal: a genuine USGI "bring back", picked up in the field after long service!

The writing is still clearly legible, and this would make a fine display piece for a wall or glass table, or even a translation project. The flag still has the original corner ties intact, but they are worn with the reinforcements still present.

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.