Japan - Hinomaru, "Disk of the Sun", national flag. This large cotton Japanese flag is typical of flags made in Japan with the traditional leather reinforcing patches. Dating from antiquity the red Sun Disc or Hinomaru, represents Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess has a special place in Japanese culture. This WWII flag was likely brought back by a returning GI.
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 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 Collectible Flag
