TITLE Japanese Hinomaru Good Luck Flag – Tiger Painting & Handwritten Messages – Showa Period DESCRIPTION A vintage Japanese Hinomaru (national flag) featuring numerous handwritten inscriptions and a striking ink painting of a tiger. This type of flag was traditionally presented to Japanese soldiers as a symbol of encouragement and wishes for their safety during military service. The flag features a large red sun disc surrounded by bold Japanese calligraphy, including the phrase "Bu-un Chokyu" (武運長久), meaning a wish for lasting good fortune in military service. Numerous handwritten names and messages appear around the central design. One of the most distinctive features is the expressive hand-painted tiger on the right side. In Japanese tradition, the tiger is associated with the proverb "A tiger travels a thousand ri and returns a thousand ri." The belief that a tiger could travel great distances and safely return made it a meaningful symbol of protection and the hope that a departing soldier would return home safely. The combination of the Hinomaru, handwritten inscriptions, and tiger painting gives this flag considerable historical and cultural interest. It is an evocative example of Japanese wartime memorabilia and a collectible item reflecting the personal wishes and beliefs of the period. PERIOD / ORIGIN Period: Presumed Showa period, wartime. Origin: Japan. Type: Japanese Hinomaru good luck flag (Yosegaki Hinomaru). Decoration: Handwritten Japanese calligraphy and ink-painted tiger. Material: Fabric. Exact production date: Unknown. SIZE Approx. 42.5 × 57 cm. CONDITION Vintage condition with visible signs of age and use. The fabric shows numerous creases, wrinkles, and folding marks, as well as some discoloration and age-related wear. The handwritten inscriptions, red sun disc, and tiger painting remain clearly visible. Please carefully examine all photographs for details of the condition. PLEASE NOTE The exact date and original owner of this flag have not been confirmed. The attribution to the Showa wartime period is based on its style, inscriptions, and historical characteristics. This item is offered solely as a historical and cultural collectible. Shipping & Customs Information: Country of Origin: Items are shipped from Japan. Important Notice for EU Buyers: Due to recent EU customs policy changes, items to EU destinations will primarily be shipped via express courier (DHL/FedEx). As a result, shipping costs are higher than standard postal services to ensure safe, smooth, and traceable delivery. Please check the shipping fees carefully before bidding. Shipping Carriers: Depending on the destination and situation, items will be shipped via DHL or FedEx.