Japanese Soldiers Prayer flag and some personal effects
Hi Guys, as we have not had anything Japanese shown on the forum yet I though that I would share these items.
They were brought back by a British soldier who fought in the Far East, a Private Nicholson. All these items came from one Japanese soldier, whom I suspect was KIA.
The main item is a prayer flag. These were good luck items which a soldier's family and friends would sign with good luck messages and patriotic slogans before a soldier left for the front. He would carry this with him to bring good luck in battle. Note the different hand writting on this one. I had the writing kindly translated by a Japanese friend, Akira. Some of the messages read:
"Your life for the Nation!"
"Do your part with bravery!"
"100 million people with one aim!"
"loyalty to the Emperor"
"The brave man attacks!"
"May your body be unscathed"
"Best wishes for your military career"
"Loyalty, bravery, strong justice"
Next we have an actual photo of the soldier himself, taken when he was a new recruit. He must have be promoted later, as in the group is a rank tab for a Sgt major.
Also shown are an ivory cigarette holder set with stones. Finally a banknote issed by the Japanese Government. Called with comtempt by Allied soldiers as "Banana money".
Quite a sad group which makes you think about the reality behind the items which we collect.
Cheers, Ade.
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