Doing research on Yosegaki flags

[PZIV]

Nick this is absolutely great work.

[MikeB]

Doing Research on Yosegaki Flags....

Nick-
You have shown here that many hinomaru yosegaki have incredible stories to tell! Each and every example you gave demonstrates what might be revealed from studying these flags. As a young flag collector I was constantly told that all a Japanese militaria collector needed was one flag, perhaps for a backdrop. People looked at me wild eyed when I said I collected flags! Afterall I was reminded that the signed flag provided nothing more than signatures. Early on I began to think of them as sort of a "Japanese phone book" only without the address and phone numbers. There was really nothing you could do with it, right? As time went by, I too appreciated what you saw in your flags. Based on the translations, these flags could tell a story. I applaude your work and appreciate the help you have given to all here on the Forum. MikeB

[Nick Komiya]

Thanks to everyone for their encouraging comments. I will soon be posting a story about Medals, Orders and Citations. I'm sure you'll find something interesting and new in that one as well, stay tuned.

[Nick Komiya]

Now that my work is done on these flags, it’s time to clear the desk for some new research projects. All the flags featured in this thread except flag 10, the political flag are on sale at the e-stand (international militaria) for collectors to enjoy along with a collection of medals.

[Andy Harris]

Excellent thread, Nick!

Sugoidesu!!!!

[Kurt Barickman]

Very enjoyable

This is a great thread and thank you very much for your time and research. This makes me want to acquire more of these from my USMC friends. Please let us know when the book will be published.

Kurt Barickman

[John Hodgin]

Fantastic thread Nick, a wonderful, enriching contribution to the Forum!
Thank you,
John

[RussellM]

Tremendous research and presentation - fascinating reading. Thanks for showing it!

Regards
Russell

[mcmike]

but Grandpa having been in the Army himself appeared in his 2nd Lt’s uniform, proudly wearing his Rising Sun order and campaign medals and carrying his saber. Like Heiichi, he also wore his veteran’s badge.[/quote]

This is a fantastic picture. Could Grandpa have served in the Russo-Japanese War 1905? Note the feet of the males in the picture, toes spread wide, while the females feet are basically parallel. The new recruit's feet seem to form a 90 degree angle. Simple observation here, no meaning implied.

[mcmike]

A phenominal composition regarding a truely personal artifact of the era. Autograph books, the signing of your high school annual, or signatures on the cast of an arm broken in childish pursuit pale in comparison to these wishes for steadfastness in battle, with the realization that the subject of these well-wishers may well perish with honor in the name of the Emporer.

Remarkable back-story as well, with an insight to the human side of the Japanese recruit. We often hear of the atrocities, but this paints a picture of a Japanese dogface facing eternity. I apprecaite not only the knowledge that you share here, but the way you are always ready to help other forum-hounds with translations of flag, helmet, and other inscriptions, as you have done for me. You de bestest; thanks.

[Nick Komiya]

Thank you all for the compliments. I had a great time researching these flags and making them come to life with a story, and I'm glad that people have been able to see the human aspect that all too easily gets missed because of the language veil.
Astute of you to notice the feet. It would have been objectionable for the women to have their feet otherwise arranged. They would also walk differently without lifting heels walking in a sort of glide. Even modern Japanese women will observe these points when they wear kimono.