Autographed good luck flag surrendered by Japanese Lieutenant General Ishii Kaho at Halmahera, 1945

Places
Accession Number RELAWM31958.003
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Flag
Physical description Printed cotton
Maker Unknown
Place made Japan
Date made c 1940
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Japanese officer's autographed national flag with signatures and slogans written in black ink characters. Apart from the traditional wish for long-lasting good fortune in war, there is the slogan 'Imperial power shines through the world'. The hoist end of the flag bears the dedication 'To Commanding Officer Ishii'. The signatures on the flag include those of Sogano-ya Jugo and Shibuya Tengai, both famous comedians in Osaka. The flag also bears 37 printed red shrine seals from the major shrines in Kyoto and Nara, including those of the Heian, Kitano, Kashihara Shrines. Hoist is reinforced at each corner and these have cord ties attached to them.

History / Summary

Presented to Major Max Phillips, representing the Australian Military Forces, at the surrender of Japanese officers at Halmahera in 1945. Lieutenant General Ishii Kano was the commanding officer of the Japanese 32nd Division.