Original World War Two Imperial Japanese Army Yosegaki Hinomaru “Good Luck” Flag.
The traditional yosegaki hinomaru was given to men before their induction into the Japanese armed forces or deployment. Friends, family, and colleagues wrote their names, messages, and encouraging words on the flag in a ray-like pattern emanating from the sun. Additional text or drawings were occasionally added, and in rare cases, intricate and impressive art adorned the flag. The writing on the flag was traditionally done using a calligraphy brush and ink. It was customary to only sign around the red center, though some items may have additional characters written on the center in red.
The origin of the tradition of flag inscriptions is disputed, with discussion over when it originated. Although some suggest that signed flags were added to a soldier's belongings during the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895), along with a "thousand stitch belt" (senninbari), good luck flags prior to the Manchurian Incident (1931) are uncommon. It is generally accepted that most Hinomaru Yosegaki seen today are from the time just before or during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945).
The Yosegaki Hinomaru was a symbol of communal hope and prayer for military personnel stationed far from home. It was thought that this flag, bearing signatures and slogans, would provide a powerful force to guide and support the soldiers through difficult times. This reminder of duty also acknowledged the sacrifices made by those who went to war, with the understanding that they may not return home. In some cases, departing servicemen would even leave behind clippings of their hair and nails for their loved ones to hold onto in the event of a funeral.
The concept of self-sacrifice held great significance in Japanese society during WWII, shaping much of the wartime mentality. It was widely believed that families of fallen soldiers, sailors, and aviators brought honor upon themselves by dutifully serving the country and Emperor, and that any soldier had a duty to willingly offer their life. This perspective stemmed from the traditional samurai code of bushido, which had been ingrained in Japanese culture for centuries and was particularly instilled in twentieth century soldiers, many of whom were not from samurai backgrounds.
Fully translated by renowned Japanese Historian Dan King.
1. "Courageous service as an offering to the nation" (The four kanji make up a slogan, and are read in the direction of the arrows. Gi-Yu-Ho-Ko. It has a religious undertone.
2. May your desire to aggressively attack the enemy be vigorous.
3. "Seven Lives for the Emperor" This comes from a phrase penned in 1336 during the battle of Minatogawa by samurai Daimyo warlord Masashige Kusunoki who was killed on July 5, 1336. His wish was that he lamented he only had 1 life to give, but wished he had 7 lives to give in defense of the emperor. The last photo depicts his statue that still stands in Tokyo outside the Palace.
The Flag measures approximately 27 x 35 inches. And features light staining, in some areas the staining is quite likely blood as when these flags were brought back US servicemen they were picked up off the battlefield.
