This is far from salty, but its such a nice example, its IJN, and the sleeve ranking is that of able seaman (airman). The tie is original to the jumper and has the same issuing tag. Besides doing translating for me, Hisash over at AHF is an absolute treasure and wealth of info. No problems at all with blacklight. In regards to the tag...
再用品: reused item
In general, NCO/PO and soldiers/sailors had their gears rent from authority. They returned it (in prewar Japan). This cloth is a refit one so 'produced date' is blanc (size 3). Issued to Watanabe Hajime 渡辺一(most typical reading I think but as usual Japanese name has an infinite number of irregular reading) in Jul 1943. His IJN personnel number shows he was a volunteer kikanhei living in Yokosuka naval district (roughly, Pacific Ocean side of east Japan). Kikanhei was typically an engine mechanic but some kikanhei was specialized in electric power system and other non-combat machines on ships.
He had not known about the sleeve insignia with the mark of "airman", so I think its a safe bet to say the owner was an aircraft mechanic.
I purchased this after losing out on a Yosegaki flag many of you might have seen on ebay. It had good provenance to the Battle of Porton Plantation. I fully intended to own it, and bid some pretty stupid money on it to be sure I got it. Seems as though someone wanted it a lot worse than I did. It went for $700.00 at 4:00 AM this morning. My high bid was $650.00. Seems as though the market for provenanced flags has really picked up lately. But for half the price of a beat up flag, I was able to add this fine jumper to my collection and will look great displayed. Regards,
Joel
再用品: reused item
In general, NCO/PO and soldiers/sailors had their gears rent from authority. They returned it (in prewar Japan). This cloth is a refit one so 'produced date' is blanc (size 3). Issued to Watanabe Hajime 渡辺一(most typical reading I think but as usual Japanese name has an infinite number of irregular reading) in Jul 1943. His IJN personnel number shows he was a volunteer kikanhei living in Yokosuka naval district (roughly, Pacific Ocean side of east Japan). Kikanhei was typically an engine mechanic but some kikanhei was specialized in electric power system and other non-combat machines on ships.
He had not known about the sleeve insignia with the mark of "airman", so I think its a safe bet to say the owner was an aircraft mechanic.
I purchased this after losing out on a Yosegaki flag many of you might have seen on ebay. It had good provenance to the Battle of Porton Plantation. I fully intended to own it, and bid some pretty stupid money on it to be sure I got it. Seems as though someone wanted it a lot worse than I did. It went for $700.00 at 4:00 AM this morning. My high bid was $650.00. Seems as though the market for provenanced flags has really picked up lately. But for half the price of a beat up flag, I was able to add this fine jumper to my collection and will look great displayed. Regards,
Joel
Just kidding. 
Honestly, thank you. I've learned a lot from you in this thread and will let you know on the prongs as soon as I hear.
Comment