flag

Rectangular Japanese flag made from thin silk. Across the white space around the central red circle, numerous Japanese characters have been painted on in black, with larger characters along one edge. The flag was presumably acquired by a member of the Royal Norfolk Regiment during the Second World War, quite likely a member of the 2nd Battalion. It is probably a 'hinomaru yosegaki' – a national flag signed by friends and family, often featuring short messages wishing them victory and good luck. These good luck flags were commonly carried by Japanese soldiers.