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{{Short description|Traditional gift for Japanese servicemen}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
] ]
⚫ The '''Good Luck Flag''', known as {{nihongo||日の丸寄せ書き|hinomaru yosegaki}} in the ], was a traditional gift for Japanese servicemen deployed during the military campaigns of the ], though most notably during ]. The flag given to a soldier was a ] signed by friends and family, often with short messages wishing the soldier victory, safety, and good luck.<ref>Gary Nila and Robert Rolfe, Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces 2006 Osprey Publishing</ref>


⚫ The {{nihongo|'''Good Luck Flag'''|寄せ書き日の丸|yosegaki ]}} was a traditional gift for ]ese servicemen deployed during the military campaigns of the ], most notably during ]. The flag was typically a ] signed by friends and family, often with short messages wishing the soldier victory, safety and good luck.<ref>Gary Nila and Robert Rolfe, Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces 2006 Osprey Publishing</ref> Today, {{transl|ja|hinomaru}} are used for occasions such as charity and sporting events.
The ] call their country's flag '']'', which translates literally to "sun-round", referencing the red circle on a white field. When the ''hinomaru'' was signed, the Japanese ] were usually written vertically, and radiated outward from the edge of the red circle. This practice is referenced in the second term, ''yosegaki'', meaning "sideways-writing". The phrase ''hinomaru-yosegaki'' can be interpreted as "To write sideways around the red sun", describing the appearance of the signed flag.

The name {{transl|ja|'hinomaru'}} is taken from the name for the flag of Japan, also known as {{transl|ja|hinomaru}}, which translates literally as "circular sun". When {{transl|ja|yosegaki hinomaru}} were signed by friends and relatives, the ] written on the flag was generally written in a vertical formation radiating out from the central red circle, resembling the sun's rays. This appearance is referenced in the term {{transl|ja|'yosegaki'}} (lit., "collection of writing"), meaning that the term {{transl|ja|'yosegaki hinomaru'}} can be interpreted as a "collection of writing around the red sun", describing the appearance of text radiating outwards from the circle in the centre of the flag.{{sfn|Bortner|2008}}


==History== ==History==
The ''hinomaru yosegaki'' was traditionally presented to a man prior to his induction into the Japanese armed forces or before deployment. Generally, relatives, neighbors, friends, and co-workers of the person receiving the flag would write their names, good luck messages, exultations, or other personal messages on the field of the flag. The writing usually flowed out sideways in a rayed pattern away from the red sun. However, if the messages became crowded, well-wishers improvised and wrote wherever they could squeeze in a message. The {{transl|ja|hinomaru yosegaki}} was traditionally presented to a man prior to his induction into the Japanese armed forces or before his deployment. The relatives, neighbors, friends, and co-workers of the person receiving the flag would write their names, good luck messages, exhortations, or other personal messages onto the flag in a formation resembling rays dissipating from the sun, though text was also written on any available space if the flag became crowded with messages.{{sfn|Bortner|2008}} On some occasions, small caricatures or cartoons were added to the flag. In rare instances, elaborate and impressive art might also be placed on the flag. Sometimes good luck flags were decorated with images of black and white or colorful tigers.{{sfn|Bortner|2008}} {{sfn|Bortner|2021}}
⚫ ]


Normally, some kind of exhortation such as ''Bu un Chou kyu'' is written across the top within the white field. Loosely translated into English, ''Bu un Chou kyu'' means "May your military fortunes be long lasting." Dark, medium sized characters may normally be seen that run vertically down the right or left hand margin of the flag. These usually occur in one, two or three columns and are generally the names of the man receiving the flag, the date, and the name of the individual or organization presenting the gift to him. The '']'' characters were typically written with a calligraphy brush ('']'') and ink. While it was normally the custom to sign only around the red center of the flag, some examples may be found with characters written upon the red center as well. {{transl|ja|Hinomaru}} normally featured some kind of exhortation written across the top of the white field, such as {{nihongo3|"May your military fortunes be long lasting"|武運長久|bu-un chō-kyu}}; other typical decoration includes medium-sized characters along the right or left vertical margin of the flag, typically the name of the man receiving the flag, and the name of the individual or organization presenting it to him. The text written on the flag was commonly applied with a ] and ink. While it was normally the custom to sign only around the red center of the flag, some examples may be found with characters written upon the red center as well.{{sfn|Bortner|2008}}


When the custom of writing on flags began is up for debate. Some sources indicate that signed flags became part of the military man's off-to-war gear, along with a "Thousand-stitch sash" ('']''), during the ] (1894-1895.) Any good luck flags that pre-date the ] (1931) should be considered rare. It is generally agreed that most ''hinomaru yosegaki'' seen today come from just before or during the period of the ] (1937-1945.) The origin of the custom of writing on flags is unclear, with some debate as to the time period when the custom first began. Some sources indicate that signed flags became part of a soldier's possessions, alongside a "]" ({{transl|ja|senninbari}}), during the ] (1894–1895), though good luck flags predating the ] (1931) are considered rare. It is generally agreed that most {{transl|ja|hinomaru yosegaki}} seen today come from just before or during the period of the ] (1937–1945).{{sfn|Bortner|2008}}


For the military man stationed far away from home and loved ones, the ''hinomaru yosegaki'' offered communal hopes and prayers to the owner every time the flag was unfolded. It was believed that the flag, with its many signatures and slogans of good luck, would provide a combined force or power to see its owner through tough times. Furthermore, it reminded him in a material way to do his duty. The performance of that duty meant that the warrior was not expected to return home from battle. Great honor was brought upon the family of those whose sons, husbands, brothers, and fathers died in the service of country and Emperor. The belief of self-sacrifice was a central one within Japanese culture and was much exalted during ]. Culturally, the Japanese believed that in doing one's duty, the soldier, sailor, or aviator must offer up his life freely to the Emperor just as the ] fall freely from the tree at the height of their beauty. As part of the ] or ] code (Way of the Warrior), this worldview was brought forward into twentieth-century Japan from the old warring days of feudal Japan and was impressed upon twentieth-century soldiers, most of whom descended from non-samurai families. For the military man stationed far away from home and loved ones, the {{transl|ja|hinomaru yosegaki}} offered communal hopes and prayers to the owner every time the flag was unfolded. It was believed that the flag, with its many signatures and slogans, would provide a combined force or power to see its owner through tough times, as well as reminding the soldier of his duties in the war, with the implication that the performance of that duty meant that the warrior was not expected to return home from battle. Often, departing servicemen would leave behind clipped fingernails and hair, so that his relatives would have something of him in which to hold a funeral.{{sfn|Bortner|2008}}


The belief of self-sacrifice was central to Japanese culture during World War II, forming much of wartime sentiment. It was culturally believed that great honour was brought upon the family of those whose sons, husbands, brothers and fathers died in service to the country and the Emperor, and that in doing one's duty, any soldier, sailor or aviator would offer up his life freely.{{sfn|Bortner|2008}} As part of the cultural ] or {{transl|ja|]}} (way of the warrior) code, this worldview was brought forward into twentieth century Japan from the previous centuries of feudal Japan, and was impressed upon twentieth century soldiers, most of whom descended from non-samurai families.
== U.S. Veteran Accounts ==
]
⚫ In ]'s book, ''You'll Be Sor-ree'', he describes the role of Japanese flags played in the Pacific War, "Every Jap seemed to have a personal silk flag with Jap writing all over it and a large meatball in the center."<ref>Phillips, Sid ''You'll Be Sor-ree'' Copyright 2010 Valor Studios, INC.</ref> There are numerous books describing these souvenirs taken home by ] and ] ]. Another example is ]'s book '']'', "The men gloated over, compared, and often swapped their prizes. It was a brutal, ghastly ritual the likes of which have occurred since ancient times on battlefields where antagonists have possessed a profound mutual hatred."<ref>Sledge, Eugene B. ''With the Old Breed'' 1981 ] Trade Paperback Edition</ref> In a 2008 article of the ''Monroe News'', a World War II veteran talked about the flag brought from the ]. He said he did not search every Japanese soldier he shot, as there was usually not enough time. He found the flag while fighting on the island of ] in the ]. He said soldiers did not take large souvenirs, such as a ] (sword), for fear that someone would steal it; a flag could be easily concealed. The flag was being returned to Japan through Dr. Yasuhiko Kaji who searches for the owner and/or their family.<ref name="Monroe">{{cite news|url=http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080707/NEWS01/647675358/-1/NEWS|title=Vet Returning Japanese Flag from WWII|last=Cousino|first=Dean|date=8 July 2010|work=The Monroe Evening News|accessdate=21 December 2013|location=]| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20120324215018/http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080707/NEWS01/647675358/-1/NEWS| archivedate=2012-03-24}}</ref>


<gallery widths="200" heights="160">
== Effort to Return Flags To Japanese Families ==
⚫ File:Japanese personal flag.jpg|Japanese soldiers often carried personal flags, signed by friends and neighbors, as a patriotic symbol. This flag was captured during the Battle for Guam.
<ref>http://obon2015.com/english/</ref> <ref>http://www.returningyosegakihinomaru.com</ref> is a private organization with the mission to return all Yosegaki Hinomaru to their families in Japan by August (OBON) of 2015, which marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the war. To date they have returned six flags and have several other flags they're . Ironically, many families do not want the flags back. The more religiously inclined may see the flag as an unclean object with bad luck attached to it. A returned flag can actually cause a family a financial burden in some instances as they will have to pay for a Shinto ritual cleansing of their home. This cleaning is called ] (祓) and is the general term for rituals of purification in Shinto. Thus returned flags may end up thrown away or sold to collectors. Responsible parties should contact the family in private to see if they want the flag returned. If the family prefers not to have the flag returned or cannot be contacted then donating it to ] or the would make the best alternative.
File:1939 Family photo from Nagano.jpg|alt=A family gathers around a young boy in a military uniform, surrounded by banners and flags. Some of the children also hold flags.|1930s photo of a military enrollment. The {{transl|ja|hinomaru}} is displayed on the house and held by several children
File:Kaiapit flags 057510.jpg|More captured Japanese flags. 26 September 1943: soldiers from the 2/6th Independent Company display Japanese flags they captured during the battle of Kaiapit between 19 and 20 September 1943. AWM photo 057510
</gallery>


===U.S. veterans' accounts===
⚫ == Preservation and Restoration ==
] ]
The United States' ] publishes a preservation guide with a list of recommendations for storing and preserving synthetic materials such as flags. Such artifacts should be stored in climate-controlled areas, never in attics or basements, and should also be kept away from bright light such as sunlight and fluorescent lights which have large amounts of ]. If intended for display, a flag or any textile artifact should be supported by a backing, never allowed to hang by its own weight. If storing in a box, make sure the textile is flat with no creases. Do not use sealed plastic bags; however, muslin bags can be used. Human beings are a hazard to these artifacts as well, since hands can transfer oils, sweat, or make-up to the artifact and cause damage. Wear clean cotton or nylon gloves when handling heirloom textiles.<ref>http://www.nationalww2museum.org/exhibitions/preservation-of-artifacts.html</ref>


⚫ In ]'s book, ''You'll Be Sor-ree'', Phillips describes the role of Japanese flags in the Pacific War: "Every Jap seemed to have a personal silk flag with Jap writing all over it and a large meatball in the center."<ref>Phillips, Sid ''You'll Be Sor-ree'', 2010, Valor Studios, INC.</ref> There are numerous books describing {{transl|ja|hinomaru}} as souvenirs taken home by ] and members of the ] ]. Another example is found in ]'s book, '']'': "The men gloated over, compared, and often swapped their prizes. It was a brutal, ghastly ritual the likes of which have occurred since ancient times on battlefields where antagonists have possessed a profound mutual hatred."<ref>Sledge, Eugene B. ''With the Old Breed'' 1981 ] Trade Paperback Edition</ref> In a 2008 article in the ''Monroe News'', a World War II veteran spoke of his experiences bringing back a flag from the ], stating that he did not search every Japanese soldier he shot, as there was usually not enough time; the flag he eventually brought home was found on the island of ] in the ]. According to his experiences, soldiers did not take home large souvenirs, such as ]s, for fear that someone would steal it, but a flag could be easily concealed. The flag he himself took as a souvenir was in the process of repatriation, with Dr. Yasuhiko Kaji searching for the owner and their family in Japan.<ref name="Monroe">{{cite news|url=http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080707/NEWS01/647675358/-1/NEWS |title=Vet Returning Japanese Flag from WWII |last=Cousino |first=Dean |date=8 July 2010 |work=The Monroe Evening News |access-date=21 December 2013 |location=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324215018/http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20080707%2FNEWS01%2F647675358%2F-1%2FNEWS |archive-date=24 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
== References ==
{{reflist}}


=== Effort to return flags ===
== Further reading ==
The OBON SOCIETY (formerly OBON 2015) is a non-profit affiliate organization with a mission to return {{transl|ja|hinomaru}} to their families in Japan.<ref name="obonsociety.org">{{cite web|url=http://obonsociety.org |title=Our Mission |website=Obonsociety.org |access-date=2021-11-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://obon2015.com/english/ |title=English |website=Obon2015.com |access-date=2021-11-20 |archive-date=3 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803125854/http://obon2015.com/english/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.returningyosegakihinomaru.com/ |title=Returning Yosegaki Hinomaru |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225033836/http://www.returningyosegakihinomaru.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
⚫ * ''Imperial Japanese Good Luck Flags and One-Thousand Stitch Belts'' by Dr Michael A. Bortner, 2008, ], ISBN 978-0-7643-2927-2

The society's work has been recognized by Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs as an "important symbol of reconciliation, mutual understanding, and friendship between our two countries".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000126778.pdf|title=OBON SOCIETY Recognized for its Contributions to Japan-U.S. Relations by Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs|website=Seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp|access-date=23 November 2021|archive-date=20 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820145246/http://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000126778.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> {{As of|2022}}, the society has returned more than 400 flags, and has more than 400 other flags they are currently working on returning.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://obon2015.com/id/ |title=OBON SOCIETY : Flags OBONソサエティ 日章旗 |website=Obon2015.com |access-date=2021-11-20 |archive-date=29 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629143120/http://obon2015.com/id/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/columns/2022/08/08/japanese-good-luck-flag-yosegaki-hinomaru-riahof-tries-to-return-to-soldiers-family/10253838002/ |title=As we celebrate Victory Day today, here's what it means to me|work=The Providence Journal|access-date=2022-12-14}}</ref> On 15 August 2017, the society arranged for Marvin Strombo, a 93-year-old WWII Veteran, to travel back to Japan to return the flag he took to the family of the man who made it.<ref name="obonsociety.org"/><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/08/15/former-us-marine-returns-flag-took-fallen-japanese-soldier-wwii/|title=Former US Marine returns a flag he took from a fallen Japanese soldier during WWII|work=The Telegraph|location=London|access-date=2017-08-16|language=en-GB}}</ref> The effort to return the flags is widely seen as a humanitarian act providing closure for family members.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|date=2016-05-29|title=The flags of their fathers|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-flags-of-their-fathers/|access-date=2021-02-18|website=CBS News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyastorian.com/news/northwest/wwii-vet-hopes-japanese-flag-can-be-given-to-owner-s-family/article_b27d5b9d-c58b-5d18-811b-a54e684d2cd1.html|title=WWII vet hopes Japanese flag can be given to owner's family|author=Kim Briggeman|newspaper=]|date=13 March 2017 |access-date=23 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://democratherald.com/news/a-final-healing-act/article_17eaef45-5f58-5617-be6c-dac6ee297272.html|title=A final healing act|author=Neil Zawixki|newspaper=]|date=22 May 2016 |access-date=23 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nwnewsnetwork.org/history-and-culture/2015-03-25/aging-u-s-veterans-seek-to-return-captured-wwii-flags-to-japan|title=Aging U.S. Veterans Seek To Return Captured WWII Flags To Japan|date=25 March 2015|website=Nenewsnetwork.org|access-date=23 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/obon-2015-returning-hinomaru-yosegaki/5411242|title=The miraculous return of a hinomaru yosegaki|first=Air Force ISR|last=Agency|date=25 April 2014|website=Abc.net.au|access-date=23 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75615 |title=Admiral Returns Flag to Japan |access-date=3 November 2014 |archive-date=3 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103213700/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75615 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

⚫ ===Preservation and restoration===
]

The United States' ] has published a preservation guide with a list of recommendations for storing and preserving synthetic materials and textiles, such as many of the {{transl|ja|hinomaru}} produced in previous wars, recommending that they are stored in climate controlled areas, kept away from bright lights, and mounted on a backing material for display.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalww2museum.org/exhibitions/preservation-of-artifacts.html |title=The War &#124; The National WWII Museum &#124; New Orleans |website=Nationalww2museum.org |date=2020-03-20 |access-date=2021-11-20}}</ref>{{sfn|Bortner|2008}}

==Modern use==
]]]

In modern times, {{transl|ja|yosegaki hinomaru}} are still used, with the tradition of signing the {{transl|ja|hinomaru}} as a good luck charm continuing, though in a limited fashion. The {{transl|ja|yosegaki hinomaru}} is often shown at international sporting events to support the national Japanese team.<ref>{{Harvnb|Takenaka|2003|p=101}}</ref> The {{nihongo3|"group effort flag"|寄せ書き|yosegaki}} is used for campaigning soldiers,<ref name="siryoukan">{{cite web |url=http://www.nishi.or.jp/~kyodo/tenji/senji/13/13.htm |title=西宮市立郷土資料館の企画展示 |access-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619055335/http://www.nishi.or.jp/~kyodo/tenji/senji/13/13.htm |archive-date=19 June 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> athletes, retirees, transfer students and for friends. In modern Japan, it is given as a present to a person at a send-off party, for athletes, a farewell party for colleagues or transfer students, for graduation and retirement. After natural disasters such as the ], people commonly write notes on a {{transl|ja|yosegaki hinomaru}} to show support. The trend of {{transl|ja|yosegaki}} had recently spread to flags of other countries with documented cases of writings on the ], the ], the ], the ], the ], the ] and the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1113465/taekwondo-iran-tokyo-2020|title=Asgari retained as Iran taekwondo coach despite medal-free Tokyo 2020 Olympics|date=26 September 2021|website=Insidethegames.biz|access-date=23 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog-slow-life.net/good-reason-to-study-in-toronto/ |title=【人生変わる！】トロント留学がおすすめな５つの理由【実証済みです】 – オースにジャパ！ |website=Blog-slow-life.net |date=27 August 2020 |access-date=2021-11-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://takushoku-alumni.jp/20100318_619 |title=巻田先生無事帰国 – 拓殖大学学友会 |website=Takushoku-alumni.jp |date=2010-03-18 |access-date=2021-11-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://littlehearts.jp/staffblog/archives/2011/07/13201241.php |title=exist†trace Mallyさんご来店!! – リトルハーツ仙台スタッフブログ |website=Littlehearts.jp |date=2014-01-26 |access-date=2021-11-20 |archive-date=26 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926171022/https://littlehearts.jp/staffblog/archives/2011/07/13201241.php |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=静岡新聞社 |url=https://www.at-s.com/news/article/shizuoka/929466.html |title=モンゴル柔道頑張れ 伊豆の国 子どもら寄せ書き｜あなたの静岡新聞 |website=At-s.com |date=2021-07-15 |access-date=2021-11-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASP8W71RZP8WUZOB001.html |title=チェコのパラ選手とオンライン交流 韮崎の小学生：朝日新聞デジタル |website=Asahi.com |date=27 August 2021 |access-date=2021-11-20}}</ref>

==See also==
* {{Annotated link|Hachimaki}}
* {{Annotated link|Senninbari}}

== Citations ==
{{Reflist}}

== General and cited references ==
⚫ * {{Cite book |last=Bortner |first=Michael A. |date=2008 |title=Imperial Japanese Good Luck Flags and One-Thousand Stitch Belts |publisher=Schiffer Military Books |isbn=978-0764329272}}
* {{Cite book |last=Bortner |first1=Michael A. |date=2021 |title=Imperial Japanese Tiger Art Good Luck Flags of World War Two |publisher=Elm Grove Publishing |isbn=978-1943492572}}
* {{Cite book |author=Takenaka, Yoshiharu |year=2003 |title=知っておきたい国旗・旗の基礎知識 |trans-title=Flag Basics You Should Know |language=ja |publisher=Gifu Shimbun |isbn=4-87797-054-1 |ref={{harvid|Takenaka|2003}}}}


== External links == == External links ==
⚫ {{Commons category|Hinomaru Yosegaki}}
* —]
* *
* *
*

⚫ {{Commons category|Hinomaru Yosegaki}}


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Latest revision as of 05:08, 4 November 2024

Traditional gift for Japanese servicemen

Signed hinomaru belonging to Japanese soldier Eihachi Yamaguchi

The Good Luck Flag (寄せ書き日の丸, yosegaki hinomaru) was a traditional gift for Japanese servicemen deployed during the military campaigns of the Empire of Japan, most notably during World War II. The flag was typically a national flag signed by friends and family, often with short messages wishing the soldier victory, safety and good luck. Today, hinomaru are used for occasions such as charity and sporting events.

The name 'hinomaru' is taken from the name for the flag of Japan, also known as hinomaru, which translates literally as "circular sun". When yosegaki hinomaru were signed by friends and relatives, the text written on the flag was generally written in a vertical formation radiating out from the central red circle, resembling the sun's rays. This appearance is referenced in the term 'yosegaki' (lit., "collection of writing"), meaning that the term 'yosegaki hinomaru' can be interpreted as a "collection of writing around the red sun", describing the appearance of text radiating outwards from the circle in the centre of the flag.

History

The hinomaru yosegaki was traditionally presented to a man prior to his induction into the Japanese armed forces or before his deployment. The relatives, neighbors, friends, and co-workers of the person receiving the flag would write their names, good luck messages, exhortations, or other personal messages onto the flag in a formation resembling rays dissipating from the sun, though text was also written on any available space if the flag became crowded with messages. On some occasions, small caricatures or cartoons were added to the flag. In rare instances, elaborate and impressive art might also be placed on the flag. Sometimes good luck flags were decorated with images of black and white or colorful tigers.

Hinomaru normally featured some kind of exhortation written across the top of the white field, such as bu-un chō-kyu (武運長久, "May your military fortunes be long lasting"); other typical decoration includes medium-sized characters along the right or left vertical margin of the flag, typically the name of the man receiving the flag, and the name of the individual or organization presenting it to him. The text written on the flag was commonly applied with a calligraphy brush and ink. While it was normally the custom to sign only around the red center of the flag, some examples may be found with characters written upon the red center as well.

The origin of the custom of writing on flags is unclear, with some debate as to the time period when the custom first began. Some sources indicate that signed flags became part of a soldier's possessions, alongside a "thousand stitch belt" (senninbari), during the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895), though good luck flags predating the Manchurian Incident (1931) are considered rare. It is generally agreed that most hinomaru yosegaki seen today come from just before or during the period of the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945).

For the military man stationed far away from home and loved ones, the hinomaru yosegaki offered communal hopes and prayers to the owner every time the flag was unfolded. It was believed that the flag, with its many signatures and slogans, would provide a combined force or power to see its owner through tough times, as well as reminding the soldier of his duties in the war, with the implication that the performance of that duty meant that the warrior was not expected to return home from battle. Often, departing servicemen would leave behind clipped fingernails and hair, so that his relatives would have something of him in which to hold a funeral.

The belief of self-sacrifice was central to Japanese culture during World War II, forming much of wartime sentiment. It was culturally believed that great honour was brought upon the family of those whose sons, husbands, brothers and fathers died in service to the country and the Emperor, and that in doing one's duty, any soldier, sailor or aviator would offer up his life freely. As part of the cultural samurai or bushido (way of the warrior) code, this worldview was brought forward into twentieth century Japan from the previous centuries of feudal Japan, and was impressed upon twentieth century soldiers, most of whom descended from non-samurai families.

  • Japanese soldiers often carried personal flags, signed by friends and neighbors, as a patriotic symbol. This flag was captured during the Battle for Guam. Japanese soldiers often carried personal flags, signed by friends and neighbors, as a patriotic symbol. This flag was captured during the Battle for Guam.
  • A family gathers around a young boy in a military uniform, surrounded by banners and flags. Some of the children also hold flags. 1930s photo of a military enrollment. The hinomaru is displayed on the house and held by several children
  • More captured Japanese flags. 26 September 1943: soldiers from the 2/6th Independent Company display Japanese flags they captured during the battle of Kaiapit between 19 and 20 September 1943. AWM photo 057510 More captured Japanese flags. 26 September 1943: soldiers from the 2/6th Independent Company display Japanese flags they captured during the battle of Kaiapit between 19 and 20 September 1943. AWM photo 057510

U.S. veterans' accounts

U.S Marines capture a Japanese flag on Iwo Jima

In Sid Phillips's book, You'll Be Sor-ree, Phillips describes the role of Japanese flags in the Pacific War: "Every Jap seemed to have a personal silk flag with Jap writing all over it and a large meatball in the center." There are numerous books describing hinomaru as souvenirs taken home by U.S. Marines and members of the U.S. Army Infantry. Another example is found in Eugene Sledge's book, With the Old Breed: "The men gloated over, compared, and often swapped their prizes. It was a brutal, ghastly ritual the likes of which have occurred since ancient times on battlefields where antagonists have possessed a profound mutual hatred." In a 2008 article in the Monroe News, a World War II veteran spoke of his experiences bringing back a flag from the Pacific War, stating that he did not search every Japanese soldier he shot, as there was usually not enough time; the flag he eventually brought home was found on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. According to his experiences, soldiers did not take home large souvenirs, such as katanas, for fear that someone would steal it, but a flag could be easily concealed. The flag he himself took as a souvenir was in the process of repatriation, with Dr. Yasuhiko Kaji searching for the owner and their family in Japan.

Effort to return flags

The OBON SOCIETY (formerly OBON 2015) is a non-profit affiliate organization with a mission to return hinomaru to their families in Japan.

The society's work has been recognized by Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs as an "important symbol of reconciliation, mutual understanding, and friendship between our two countries". As of 2022, the society has returned more than 400 flags, and has more than 400 other flags they are currently working on returning. On 15 August 2017, the society arranged for Marvin Strombo, a 93-year-old WWII Veteran, to travel back to Japan to return the flag he took to the family of the man who made it. The effort to return the flags is widely seen as a humanitarian act providing closure for family members.

Preservation and restoration

A well-preserved WWII Japanese silk Good Luck flag

The United States' National World War II Museum has published a preservation guide with a list of recommendations for storing and preserving synthetic materials and textiles, such as many of the hinomaru produced in previous wars, recommending that they are stored in climate controlled areas, kept away from bright lights, and mounted on a backing material for display.

Modern use

Notes by people after the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and tsunami

In modern times, yosegaki hinomaru are still used, with the tradition of signing the hinomaru as a good luck charm continuing, though in a limited fashion. The yosegaki hinomaru is often shown at international sporting events to support the national Japanese team. The yosegaki (寄せ書き, "group effort flag") is used for campaigning soldiers, athletes, retirees, transfer students and for friends. In modern Japan, it is given as a present to a person at a send-off party, for athletes, a farewell party for colleagues or transfer students, for graduation and retirement. After natural disasters such as the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and tsunami, people commonly write notes on a yosegaki hinomaru to show support. The trend of yosegaki had recently spread to flags of other countries with documented cases of writings on the flag of Brazil, the flag of Canada, the flag of the Czech Republic, the flag of Iran, the flag of Mongolia, the flag of South Korea and the flag of the United States.

See also

  • Hachimaki – Japanese headband
  • Senninbari – Belt given to Japanese men going to war as an amulet

Citations

  1. Gary Nila and Robert Rolfe, Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces 2006 Osprey Publishing
  2. ^ Bortner 2008.
  3. Bortner 2021.
  4. Phillips, Sid You'll Be Sor-ree, 2010, Valor Studios, INC.
  5. Sledge, Eugene B. With the Old Breed 1981 Presidio Press Trade Paperback Edition
  6. Cousino, Dean (8 July 2010). "Vet Returning Japanese Flag from WWII". The Monroe Evening News. Monroe, MI. Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 21 December 2013.
  7. ^ "Our Mission". Obonsociety.org. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  8. "English". Obon2015.com. Archived from the original on 3 August 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  9. "Returning Yosegaki Hinomaru". Archived from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  10. "OBON SOCIETY Recognized for its Contributions to Japan-U.S. Relations by Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs" (PDF). Seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 August 2018. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  11. "OBON SOCIETY : Flags OBONソサエティ 日章旗". Obon2015.com. Archived from the original on 29 June 2019. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  12. "As we celebrate Victory Day today, here's what it means to me". The Providence Journal. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  13. ^ "Former US Marine returns a flag he took from a fallen Japanese soldier during WWII". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  14. "The flags of their fathers". CBS News. 29 May 2016. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  15. Kim Briggeman (13 March 2017). "WWII vet hopes Japanese flag can be given to owner's family". The Astorian. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  16. Neil Zawixki (22 May 2016). "A final healing act". Albany Democrat Herald. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  17. "Aging U.S. Veterans Seek To Return Captured WWII Flags To Japan". Nenewsnetwork.org. 25 March 2015. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  18. Agency, Air Force ISR (25 April 2014). "The miraculous return of a hinomaru yosegaki". Abc.net.au. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  19. "Admiral Returns Flag to Japan". Archived from the original on 3 November 2014. Retrieved 3 November 2014.
  20. "The War | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans". Nationalww2museum.org. 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  21. Takenaka 2003, p. 101
  22. "西宮市立郷土資料館の企画展示". Archived from the original on 19 June 2008. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  23. "Asgari retained as Iran taekwondo coach despite medal-free Tokyo 2020 Olympics". Insidethegames.biz. 26 September 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  24. "【人生変わる！】トロント留学がおすすめな５つの理由【実証済みです】 – オースにジャパ！". Blog-slow-life.net. 27 August 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  25. "巻田先生無事帰国 – 拓殖大学学友会". Takushoku-alumni.jp. 18 March 2010. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  26. "exist†trace Mallyさんご来店!! – リトルハーツ仙台スタッフブログ". Littlehearts.jp. 26 January 2014. Archived from the original on 26 September 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  27. 静岡新聞社 (15 July 2021). "モンゴル柔道頑張れ 伊豆の国 子どもら寄せ書き｜あなたの静岡新聞". At-s.com. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  28. "チェコのパラ選手とオンライン交流 韮崎の小学生：朝日新聞デジタル". Asahi.com. 27 August 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2021.

General and cited references

  • Bortner, Michael A. (2008). Imperial Japanese Good Luck Flags and One-Thousand Stitch Belts. Schiffer Military Books. ISBN 978-0764329272.
  • Bortner, Michael A. (2021). Imperial Japanese Tiger Art Good Luck Flags of World War Two. Elm Grove Publishing. ISBN 978-1943492572.
  • Takenaka, Yoshiharu (2003). 知っておきたい国旗・旗の基礎知識 [Flag Basics You Should Know] (in Japanese). Gifu Shimbun. ISBN 4-87797-054-1.

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