Good Luck Flag The Good Luck Flag , known as in the Japanese language , was a traditional gift for Japanese servicemen deployed during the military campaigns of the Empire of Japan , though most notably during World War II . The flag given to a soldier was a national flag signed by friends and family , often with short messages wishing the soldier victory , safety , and good luck . The Japanese call their country ' s flag " hinomaru " , which translates literally to " sun - round " , referencing the red circle on a white field . When the " hinomaru " was signed , the Japanese characters were usually written vertically , and radiated outward from the edge of the red circle . This practice is referenced in the second term , " yosegaki " , meaning " sideways - writing " . The phrase " hinomaru - yosegaki " can be interpreted as " To write sideways around the red sun " , describing the appearance of the signed flag . History . The " hinomaru yosegaki " was traditionally presented to a man prior to his induction into the Japanese armed forces or before deployment . Generally , relatives , neighbors , friends , and co - workers of the person receiving the flag would write their names , good luck messages , exultations , or other personal messages on the field of the flag . The writing usually flowed out sideways in a rayed pattern away from the red sun . However , if the messages became crowded , well - wishers improvised and wrote wherever they could squeeze in a message . Normally , some kind of exultation such as " Buun Chokyu " is written across the top within the white field . Loosely translated into English , " Buun Chokyu " means " May your military fortunes be long lasting . " Dark , medium sized characters may normally be seen that run vertically down the right or left hand margin of the flag . These usually occur in one , two or three columns and are generally the names of the man receiving the flag , the date , and the name of the individual or organization presenting the gift to him . The " kanji " characters were typically written with a calligraphy brush ( " fude " ) and ink . While it was normally the custom to only sign around the red center of the flag , there are some examples may be found with characters written upon the red center as well . When the custom of writing on flags began is up for debate . Some sources indicate that signed flags became part of the military man ' s off - to - war gear , along with a " Thousand - stitch sash " ( " senninbari " ) , during the First Sino - Japanese War ( 1894 - 1895 . ) Any good luck flags that pre - date the Manchurian Incident ( 1931 ) should be considered rare . It is generally agreed that most " hinomaru yosegaki " seen today come from just before or during the period of the Second Sino - Japanese War ( 1937 - 1945 . ) For the military man stationed far away from home and loved ones , the " hinomaru yosegaki " offered communal hopes and prayers to the owner every time the flag was unfolded . It was believed that the flag with its many signatures and slogans of good luck , would provide a combined force or power to see its owner through tough times . Furthermore , it reminded him in a material way to do his duty . The performance of that duty meant that the warrior was not expected to return home from battle . Great honor was brought upon the family of those whose sons , husbands , brothers , and fathers died in the service of country and Emperor . The belief of self - sacrifice was a central one within Japanese culture and was much exalted during World War II . Culturally , the Japanese believed that in doing one ' s duty , the soldier , sailor , or aviator must offer up his life freely to the Emperor just as the cherry blossoms fall freely from the tree at the height of their beauty . As part of the samurai or bushido code ( Way of the Warrior ) , this worldview was brought forward into twentieth - century Japan from the old warring days of feudal Japan , and impressed onto the twentieth - century soldier , most of whom descended from non - samurai families . U . S . Veteran Accounts . In Sid Phillips ' s book , " You ' ll Be Sor - ree " , he describes the role of Japanese flags played in the Pacific War , " Every Jap seemed to have a personal silk flag with Jap writing all over it and a large meatball in the center . " There are numerous books describing these souvenirs taken home by U . S . Marines and U . S . Army Infantry . Another example is Eugene Sledge ' s book " With the Old Breed " , " The men gloated over , compared , and often swapped their prizes . It was a brutal , ghastly ritual the likes of which have occurred since ancient times on battlefields where antagonists have possessed a profound mutual hatred . " In a 2008 article of the " Monroe News " , a World War II veteran talked about the flag brought from the Pacific theatre . He said he did not search every Japanese soldier he shot , as there was usually not enough time . He found the flag while fighting on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines . He said soldiers did not take large souvenirs , such as a katana ( sword ) , for fear that someone would steal it ; a flag could be easily concealed . Preservation and Restoration . The United States ' National World War II Museum publishes a preservation guide with a list of recommendations for storing and preserving synthetic materials such as flags . Artifacts should be stored in climate - controlled areas because it can increase damage from aging . Never store the artifact or artifacts in attics or basements . Also keep the artifacts away from bright light such as sunlight and fluorescent lights which have large amounts of UV rays . If displaying a flag or any textile artifacts , make certain that is supported by a backing . Never let it hang by its own weight . If storing in a box , make sure the artifact is flat with no creases . Do not store artifact in sealed plastic bags , however use muslin bags . Human beings are a hazard to these artifacts as well ; as hands contain oils , sweat , and make - up . These increase damage to the artifact . Wear clean cotton or nylon gloves when handling heirloom textiles .