Very sloppy writing, addressed to Murata Masahiro. The mix of vertical writing with radial writing also make the flag look disordered. Across the top is 忠勇 (loyalty). There is also a signature from Chancellor of Meiji University, but the writing is atrocious (in my opinion). I can't definitively say its a fake, but it is not a very handsome flag and I have my doubts about it.
Did you buy it or was it given to you? From whom, under what circumstances, and where did you obtain the flag?
You do not have to mention any names, but info on the former owner, or place you obtained it could be important.
Unless the auction house can give you further information without infringing on the family's privacy, that is unfortunate.
Majestic has made some very good points.
You may want to show it to a few experts and see what the consensus would be.
Local reputable auction house specialists, collectors clubs, and universities are a good starting place.
Seeing it up close and personal may shed more light on this flag.
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