Original Item: One-of-a-kind. Just purchased from a large military show. This hand painted cloth flag is marked with battle quotes such as "Banzai", and "Good Luck for Bravery". There is really a lot of writing on this flag, and is correct it is often written radiating outward from the "sun" in the center of the flag.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. It is most likely signed with the names of many friends and family, possibly also coworkers and the association that presented the flag.

We did see some phrases that we recognize, including 盡忠報國 all the way to the right side, read as Jinchuuhoukoku or "Give all for the country". Another phrase we could transcribe is 生必奉天支店長, which makes a reference to "Mukden", so this flag was possibly owned by a member of the Japanese occupying forces in China during WWII. Definitely some great translation possibilities!

The flag measures approximately 28” x 34”, and is made of what feels like soft cotton cloth or light canvas, with the red "sun" dyed into the middle. Overall the flag is in good service worn condition with some tearing present and is the real deal: a genuine USGI "bring back", most likely picked up off the battlefield during war!

The flag definitely shows wear and fading, but the kanji are still mostly clear. This would make a fine display piece for a wall or glass table, or even a translation project. The flag still has remnants of the original corner reinforcements present, along with the corner ties, however they are worn.

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.