Hello. I was hoping to find some help in translating this Japanese good luck flag in hopes of repatriating it, if the family is open to it. Also working on an project around this flag in art studios in the US and soon Japan. Thanks for any help!! I understand this is a complex and sensitive subject.
Translate Good Luck Flag
- Thread starter AustinNor
- Start date
- 12 Oct 2013
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Interesting flag. I can't find a clear recipient's name on this. It may have been left off, as the recipient would have been obvious - unusual, but not necessarily out of the question.
A good number of patriotic phrases around the flag, and then the rest are names of the signers. There are a number of military members who signed the flag with their name and rank, so we can guess that the recipient was already in the military when he received this (as opposed to someone who just enlisted or was just drafted).
You might want to contact the Obon Society, who repatriates items like this one. Another option is contacting the nearest Japanese embassy, which also has a program for repatriating war items.
A good number of patriotic phrases around the flag, and then the rest are names of the signers. There are a number of military members who signed the flag with their name and rank, so we can guess that the recipient was already in the military when he received this (as opposed to someone who just enlisted or was just drafted).
You might want to contact the Obon Society, who repatriates items like this one. Another option is contacting the nearest Japanese embassy, which also has a program for repatriating war items.
- Thread starter
- #3
Wow! Thank you so much for the quick response and information. I've talked with Obon, but I'm not ready to send it off yet. I would like to do as much research as possible on my own, with help from people like you. I'll contact a Japanese embassy near me. Thanks again!
- 12 Oct 2013
- 4,071
- 5,023
The recipient could be a Major Nanri (南里少佐), who is the guy mentioned on the left, next to the prominent phrase 祈武運長久 (pray for good luck in battle). There was a Major Nanri (Nanri Katsuji) in the war (later promoted to colonel). I don't know if it is the same person mentioned on this flag.
- Thread starter
- #5
That is amazing! Thank you! I did some research into Nanri Katsuji and he was promoted to colonel and later captain/ commander. I saw that he was commanding officer of at least 2 submarines. I also did see a few other's in WW2 with the surname Nanri. The search continues. Thank you so much!
A reminder about the Obon Society - once you give your flag to them, they will not return it, even if they are unable to locate the soldier's family. Due to this, I nicely framed mine and have it at home.
