Japan - Hinomaru, "Disk of the Sun", national flag. In Japan, from 1938 to 1945 wide use was made of flags for propaganda and moral. The flag was a ubiquitous symbol Japanese Empire and flag usage permeated every facet of public and military life. The paper or cardboard reinforcements indicate that this flag was made late in the war when shortages curtailed the use of the traditional leather reinforcing corner patches.
The Hinomaru is culturally very significant to the Japanese. Their creation myths relate that they are directly Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. This flag is unsigned but most Japanese soldiers had one and generally kept it close to his body. The Hinomaru was the most ubiquitous flag used as a Good Luck flag.
Because of this flags were plentiful in a vanquished Japan. From this pool of flags returning GIs brought back national flags, Good Luck Flags (Hinomaru Yosegaki), Japanese Send-Off Banners (Shussei nobori), Welcome Home/"Triumphant Return" Banners (Gaisen), military and naval flags, religious, and even antique flags from bygone eras.
ZFC Noteworthy Flag
No Description
