"May Your Military Fortunes Be Long Lasting"

Book 1

Imperial Japanese
Good Luck Flags and One-Thousand Stitch Belts


This is the first book of its kind that focuses solely on Imperial Japanese Good Luck Flags and One-Thousand Stitch Belts. It answers many of the questions that both novice and experienced collectors have with regard to hinomaru yosegaki and senninbari. Through an extensive use of color photographs and text, much of it translated, this 286 page reference provides illustrations of common artifacts as well as some of the rarest. Gathered from around the world, many of the examples provided have been identified to their soldier-owners and come with fascinating and often poignant stories. Vintage photographs, postcards, advertisements and first hand accounts, bring both subjects into full detail.

Size: 12” x 9”, 286 pp., Hard Cover Edition
Over 650 Color and Black and White Images

List price $79.95 + Domestic and International Shipping.
Contact the author here for your autographed and/or personalized copy.

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The Author:
Dr. Michael A. Bortner

Michael Bortner has been a collector of Imperial Japanese Good Luck Flags and One Thousand Stitch Belts for more than fifty years. His desire to write a book developed out of his curiosity to find historical and cultural information on this subject. The contents contained herein are based upon personal interviews with American and Japanese veterans, obscure primary sources, museum exhibits and discussions with other collectors. Drawing upon his extensive collection of Good Luck Flags and One Thousand Stitch items as well as those of fellow collectors, Mike has assembled the first book of its kind in English solely on this subject.

The author earned his B.A. Degree in History from the University of California, Irvine and his M.A. Degree in Anthropology from the California State University, Hayward. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is a member of The Company of Military Historians, The North American Vexillological Association, Textile Society of America, The American Historical Association, The Society For Military History, The Ohio Valley Military Society and the MAX Certified Dealer Program.

To purchase an autographed and/or personalized copy of the book, please contact us here.

Reviews

Alex S. "Collector"
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"The quality of your book is superb! Your information, photos, descriptions, and detailed research are simply stated, "The Best!" I especially want to tell you that your writing is great! The style is informative and fluid. Many of my collector books on firearms, swords, history and militaria are very informative, but dry. I would also like to commend you and your book designer/publisher for the beauty of this book. It is colorful and well designed. Please keep me on the mailing list for your next book..."
John Adams-Graf The Military Trader
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"With this book, Dr. Bortner has made a significant contribution to the understanding and collecting of Imperial Japanese relics. Imperial Japanese Good Luck Flags and One-Thousand Stitch Belts is the first book of its kind that focuses solely on these commonly encountered Pacific Theater relics. He has assembled a book that answers many of the questions that both novice and experienced collectors have had with regard to yosegaki hinomaru and senninbari. Through an extensive use of color photographs, the book provides illustrations of common artifacts as well as some of the rarest. Not only does the narrative explain the significance of the items, it makes recommendations on care, storage and display. A quality book."
Jim DawsonAuthor of Swords of Imperial Japan 1868-1945 Cyclopedia Edition
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"Thank you for the opportunity to review your new book Imperial Japanese Good Luck Flags and One-Thousand Stitch Belts. I opened the book on Friday and could not put it down for the entire weekend. This book is everything a collector book should be. The large format, full color presentation is a joy to read, and the chapter organization makes finding any topic easy. But I think more important is the evidence of thorough, scholarly research. I doubt that there will ever be a better book on the subject unless it is another edition by Michael Bortner. What a great service to the historian and collector."
World War 2 Magazine, October/November 2008
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Lush coffee-table book offers hundreds of awesome photos plus detailed explications.
Bob ColemanHistorian, Collector and Forum Moderator
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Tuesday, I received in the mail my copy of Dr. Michael Bortner's Book, "Imperial Japanese Good Luck Flags and One Thousand Stitch Belts". The amount of time and research that was put in to this reference is amazing. The book not only deals with the item but also its place in Japanese history and culture, their construction and purpose. All of this is backed up with fantastic images, historical perspective and period photographs. I would highly recommend this work for the library of any collector or student of World War II artifacts. Putting such a work together is done for the love of the task, not for profit. Such works normally only make a profit for the publisher and nothing for the author. Mike, a job well done!
John EggerMarine, and Authority on Japanese Militaria
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In collecting there is an old saying, "Buy the book before you buy the coin." Never is this more applicable than in Mike Bortner's new book on Japanese Good Luck Flags. Whether you are an arm-chair history buff or you are just beginning to collect good luck flags, Mike's book is where your collection should start. From the front cover to the last page there are great period photographs and examples of flags that we all wish we had in our collections. This book will provide a whole new perspective about these flags, and the photographs of the soldiers with them. The wealth of information about these flags gives new insight into what we thought we knew. Buy the book...then start collecting. It will make your search alot more fun.
Doss H. WhiteEditor of Banzai
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This great 285 page book covers an area in Japanese militaria collecting that has never been explored in print. It adds a new dimension to Japanese militaria collecting and is both comprehensive and well-organized. The book explains the history of many different categories of signed flags and contains photos of a large number of different flags with their translations. All of the flag categories are explained and photographs of flags with their translations are covered. One chapter covers flag authentication, a great reference since the book is sure to drive the prices of authentic flags sky high and tempt the fakers to try their hand. There are several chapters on the history and photos of the rarely seen today thousand stitch belts and vests. Also described are thousand stitch belt reproductions, an invaluable guide to the novice collector. The final chapter (Chapter 28) describes proper care, display, and storage of the flags and belts. No Japanese militaria collector's library is complete without it.
Takehito JimboJapanese militaria collector and historian
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As collectors and students of Japanese militaria, never before have we been shown such a display of variety and comprehensive study of Yosegaki flags and Senninbaris as do this magnificent new book authored by Dr. Michael Bortner. These highly personal items of the Imperial Japanese soldiers are each a history unto itself, a view into the life and times of the soldiers who took these items with him to battle, to know the affection and cheers from his family, his relatives, his comrades in arms, his personal friends, and the general citizens who supported the “hero soldier” in times of war. For many years, much of these “recordings” of human emotions from a bygone era have been folded away in drawers and closets, but here, with the tireless efforts of the author, they come alive once again in full color and regalia to speak again to the beholder of these fragments of history. A huge applause to Mike Bortner!
Bob ChattMilitaria Dealer and Promoter of the West Coast Historical and Militaria Collector's Show
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Received my copy today. Mike had shown me the galley proof at SOS, and I was impressed then. But to see it finished is even more amazing. This is one of those must have books. Great job Mike.
Ron WernethJapanese Naval Aviation Historian, Collector, and Author of the Book, Beyond Pearl Harbor: The Untold Stories of Japan's Naval Airmen.
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I concur, Dr. Mike's book is a "must" read for any serious WW II IJA/IJN history buff/collector, and anyone interested in the Pacific War. Superb layout. Beautiful photos. Excellent research. Enough said.
John LofgrenLong Time Resident of Japan and Antique/Militaria Collector-Dealer
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Not often does a book hit the market that explores what are essentially unexplored topics. However, Dr. Michael Bortner's book, Imperial Japanese Good Luck Flags and One Thousand Stitch Belts does just that. Even long time collectors and dealers will thumb through the pages with eyes wide and mouths agape! Anyone interested in World War Two militaria and the War in the Pacific needs to own it. For collectors of Japanese soldier's flags, senninbari, and senninriki items, there is no bigger bang for the buck or yen!
Zach H.Collector
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I received my book today, and not to be melodramatic about it, but glancing through it gave me goosebumps. The amount of information and the top notch layout of the book are very impressive. Great reference hardly describes this masterpiece.
Tim T.Enthusiast
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Just received your fabulous book. Read it in its entirety immediately. So well organized. Photos and layout are without peer. It was a joy to finally see something other than firearms and edge weapons. Thank you for such a tremendous effort. Truely a reference document for the ages.
Dr. Sturt C. Blank
Dr. Sturt C. BlankMilitary Archive Research, UK
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"There is an excellent structure / organisation to the book and it divides the subjects into manageable sections. It is highly detailed and has excellent photography throughout. It combines period photos with modern photos taken of these items and has superb text."
Pritzker Museum and Military Library
Pritzker Museum and Military Libraryhttps://www.pritzkermilitary.org/
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"Contains information on Good Luck flags (yosegaki hinomaru) and One Thousand Stitch Belts (senniinbari-haramaki) providing new and valuable insights. Background information providing historical context gives the reader an appreciation for Japanese culture. It also covers non-vintage as well as reproduction items."
Scott B.
Scott B.Amazon Book Reviewer
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"What a great book! Lots of great info and history behind these pieces of Japanese history. If you are a collector, this book is a great help...Loaded with nice examples in pictures. Highly recommended."
"41slattie"
"41slattie"Amazon Book Reviewer
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"Excellent reference written by a person of authority who knows his stuff!"
Harvey Low
Harvey LowAmazon Book Reviewer
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"A very comprehensive and well written book on this subject matter. Dr Bortner provides gorgeous photos of examples. This is the only book on this subject on the market. A solid must-have reference for any serious Japanese Militaria enthusiast. "
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland War Memorial MuseumAuckland, New Zealand
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Provides..."new and valuable insights. Background information providing historical context gives the reader an appreciation for Japanese culture. It also covers non-vintage as well as reproduction items."
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Table of Contents

  1. History and Evolution of the Japanese Written Language
  2. Good Luck Flags – History and Meaning
  3. Good Luck Flags – Construction and Sizes
  4. Good Luck Flags – Standard Type
  5. Good Luck Flags – Characters that Fill the Entire White Background
  6. Good Luck Flags – Shrine or Temple Seals
  7. Good Luck Flags – Kanji Across the Red Center
  8. Good Luck Flags – Artwork
  9. Good Luck Flags – Battle Records, Maps, Unit Flags
  10. Good Luck Flags – Battle Damage
  11. Good Luck Flags – Military Intelligence Stamps and Capture Papers
  12. Good Luck Flags – Blood Oath Flags and Blood Flags
  13. Good Luck Flags – Navy and Naval Related Flags
  14. Good Luck Flags – Amulets of Protection
  15. Riki or Chikara Flags
  16. Japanese Signed Battle Flags
  17. Miscellaneous Signed Flags
  18. Souvenir of Service Flags
  19. Good Luck Flags – Translation and Authentication
  20. One Thousand Stitch Belts (Senninbari) – History and Meaning
  21. One Thousand Stitch Belts (Senninbari) – Sizes and Construction
  22. One Thousand Stitch Belts (Senninbari) – Coins, Amulets, Charms and Shrine/Temple Seals
  23. One Thousand Stitch Belts (Senninbari) – With Messages
  24. One Thousand Stitch Belts (Senninbari) – Artwork
  25. One Thousand Stitch Belts (Senninbari) – Colors
  26. Miscellaneous Senninbari and Good Luck Items
  27. One Thousand Stitch Belts (Senninbari) – Reproductions
  28. Good Luck Flags, One Thousand Stitch Belts (Senninbari) –
    Proper Care, Display, and Storage of Your Collection

with Glossary, Bibliography and Resources

Size: 12” x 9”, 286 pp., Hard Cover Edition
Over 650 Color and Black and White Images

Contact Author for Postage Quote