Japanese flag with writing. What was this flag for. Thanks ed

[bnd173d]

Photo of flag

[bnd173d]

More photos, if you need more photos just ask . Thanks ed

[bnd173d]

1 more photo. Thanks for any help

[GHP]

祝出征
Shuku Shussei
Congratulations on Deployment [to war]

祈武運長久
Ki Buun Chōkyū
Prayer for Everlasting Fortune in War

贈荒尾登君
Sō Arao Noboru-kun
Gifted to Mr. Arao Noboru

The drawing at the bottom depicts the Japanese version of the Buddhist teacher Daruma [Bodhidarma].


[I've always like this rendition!]

His legend states that after long years of seated meditation, his legs fell off. The Japanese depict him now as a "Weebles" rolly-poly -- push him down and he comes back. So, they have the saying: If you fall seven times, get up an eighth." In other words .... perseverance.

七転八起 大和
Nana Korobi Yaoki .... Yamato


Yamato [Great Harmony] is the older name for "Japan" using the "native" Japanese reading [kun'yomi] of the Chinese characters. In Korea 大和 is pronounced Daewoo, and in Japan the 大和銀行 bank is pronounced as Daiwa -- using the Chinese loan-word pronunciation [on'yomi].

Today, a Daruma good luck doll is purchased when you have a dream or goal -- you color in one eye when making the wish; after the wish is fulfilled, you color in the second eye. At the end of the year you can take it to the local shrine and have it burned in the end-of-year bonfire.




--Guy

[bnd173d]

That is very interesting. Thanks for the translation. Should it be framed or left alone. And thank you again ghp for you help. Ed

[GHP]

That is very interesting. Thanks for the translation. Should it be framed or left alone. And thank you again ghp for you help. Ed

Glad to help. I'll let someone else -- a collector -- answer your question about framing; I do not know the value of the flag.

--Guy

[bnd173d]

Thanks again for all the info guy. Ed

[Paul G]

Framing is a personal choice. Flags look wonderful framed, but take up a lot of space on a wall. Framing can be very expensive as well, sometimes many times the value of the flag, once again, its a personal choice. The most important thing to remember when framing, is to frame it properly. It should be framed in an archival manner, using all acid free materials and a UV protected glass. Remember, the flag itself is the most important part of the frame job. We are the temporary care takers of these special and individual items. We must use diligence to ensure that they are around for future generations to enjoy, as we have.

PG-

[bnd173d]

Thanks for the info. Ed

[Stu W]

I agree with Paul that archival is the way to go if you can afford it but not all collectors can.

The flag, a Hinomaru no Yosegaki, or Good Luck Flag, was presented to the recipient at time of his induction to the armed forces and meant to bring him luck during his time in service.

Your flag is worth about 180 USD in my view assuming it does not bear the signature of a famous person(s).

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

If these catch your eye then you might wish to acquire this great reference book on the topic.

http://www.gethistorytoday.com/

Authored by our very own WAF member MikeB.

Regards,
Stu

[Nick Komiya]

Arao was apparently a worker at the Kurosaki factory of Japan Aluminium Company in Yawata Kyushu, as it was the factory chief that presented him this flag.

[bnd173d]

Is the rest of the writing prayers or names. Also thats for everyones help and information. Thanks again ed

[Nick Komiya]

The rest are patriotic slogans, poems with signatures of the contributors, etc. You normally do not find prayers on these flags, though they are often erroneously referred to as prayer flags.

[Staldion]

I think the mistake might came from the judeo-christian understanding of the translation of Ki Buun Chōkyū: "Prayer for Everlasting Fortune in War". You often find temple seal fairly often to add to the confusion. There are mixed feelings on Hinomaru Yosegaki.

Senninbari worth more the nickname of prayer belt IMO.