The World War Two era Imperial Japanese Good Luck Flag, or hinomaru yosegaki
was a gift given to a departing soldier, sailor, or airman. When a man
enlisted or was drafted into the armed forces, his friends, family
and/or co-workers would celebrate his entry into the military. Prior to
his departure, a party would be given in his honor.
At that time, an unsigned Japanese national flag would normally be
placed on a table so that the group in attendance could sign, with ink
and brush, their names and add their admonishments to the white field.
Good Luck Flags were often highly personalized, and served to remind the
soldier stationed far from home, to uphold his family’s honor by doing
his duty to the fullest extent.
