Japanese face character flag

[Paul G]

Hello everyone,
Here is a flag that I was able to add to my collection recently. It came from the Grandson of the Vet who acquired it. It has a neat hand drawn face on it with a mean stare. It also has a stamp next to the drawing. I have not seen a stamp like this one before, maybe a shrine? Does anyone know if this style / type of face drawing has any special meaning? I had no luck translating any of the bold text with what we have available in the translation thread. I looked, maybe I am just not seeing it. If anyone can give me any information about this flag, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you,

PG-

[Paul G]

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[Nick Komiya]

The "Cookie Monster" is a Daruma http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daruma_doll

[Paul G]

Interesting Nick! That's a pretty fascinating read, about the Daruma . Thank You!
Regards,

PG-

[GHP]

Paul,

七転び八起き
Nana Korobi Ya Oki

A relevant part of the description Nick sent is this:

Darumas are still usually made of papier-mâché, have a round shape, are hollow, and weighted at the bottom in a way that it will always return to an upright position when tilted over. In Japanese a roly-poly toy is called okiagari. meaning to get up (oki) and arise (agari). This characteristic has come to symbolize the ability to have success, overcome adversity, and recover from misfortune.<sup id="cite_ref-autogenerated15_3-2" class="reference">[3]</sup>
Due to this, Daruma is often illustrated alongside the phrase "Nanakorobi Yaoki", translated to mean seven times down, Eight times up.

So, in a way: "Illegitimi non carborundum" ... don't let the b@stards grind you down. No matter how many times you're knocked off your feet, you will rise.

The legend comes from the mythology that Bodhidharma [Bodai Daruma, or just Daruma] sat so long in meditation that his legs fell off. I sat in zazen [and seiza!] before and it sure felt like MY legs fell off .... and when I would stand ~~ watch out!

Cheers,
--Guy

[Paul G]

Thanks Guy! I appreciate the input. I find Japanese culture and mythology fascinating!

PG-

[nambu-shiki]

I had bid on this flag. I was surprised it didn't go for more. A very cool Yosegaki.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WWII-Japanes...p2047675.l2557