Translating WWII Flags

[Mike Cash]

We seem to get quite a lot of requests for translations of Japanese flags from WWII. Some are from people whose relatives brought the flags back home with them after the war. Their seeking translations or information doesn't really bother me that much.

We also get quite a few requests from people who apparently want us to evaluate the authenticity of flags they are contemplating buying from dealers. The impression I get from the number of requests from people who either have purchased a flag or who are about to purchase a flag makes me think the flags must be experiencing a current burst of popularity.

Lately, I have come to find posts from these collectors quite repugnant. The flags were in practically all cases either stolen from a prisoner or from dead bodies. In many cases they contain identifying information which would make them good candidates for repatriation to the owners or to the owners' heirs. The passage of seven decades and the issuing of sales receipts do nothing to change the fact they are dealing in stolen property. They're not going to make an effort to repatriate the property whether we translate their eBay trophies for them are not. But do we not make ourselves at least marginally complicit in the wrongdoing by satisfying their morbid curiosity and increasing their enjoyment of their acquisition? Do we really want to continue being a party to this?

 

[mdchachi]

I think if they get the name of the owner translated, the items are that much more likely to end up back in the hands of the original family one way or another. Even if the original "collector" doesn't follow up to repatriate it, somebody in their family might eventually. Just my initial thought.

 

[thomas]

While I would like to leave it up to each member whether they choose to assist in flag translations, I agree that JREF could be instrumental in raising awareness. I'm convinced that - apart from the repugnant Ebay dealers / fakers mentioned - many people are not familiar with the circumstances under which many such flags have changed hands.

We already have an excellent FAQ article on Japanese WWII flags drawn up by @Majestic .

Mike, would you be willing to draft an appeal to flag owners to repatriate the flags in their possession? I'd be more than happy to add it to the FAQ section.