They were folded among other estate material with very little information attached to them beyond the veteran’s service history. At first, we approached them the way we approach most historical objects: identify them properly, research them carefully, photograph them, and determine what should happen next.

The flags appear to be yosegaki hinomaru, often referred to as Japanese “good luck flags.” Before departure, Japanese soldiers would bring these flags to family members, friends, classmates, coworkers, teachers, and local community members, who would sign them and write messages around the central red sun. Many soldiers carried them throughout the war.

In the United States, these flags are most often encountered as wartime souvenirs brought home by American servicemen after the Pacific campaign. Over time, many entered private collections, museums, archives, antique shops, and estates alongside other surviving military material from the war.

Though connected by the same history, the two flags present very differently. One flag is densely covered in inscriptions, with signatures and messages extending across nearly the entire surface of the cloth.

The other is more restrained, with larger open areas surrounding fewer names and phrases. Looking closely at both, however, made them harder to think about strictly as military collectibles.

Certain inscriptions remain partially legible despite age and wear. Among them are phrases that appear to include 武運長久 (buun chōkyū), meaning “long-lasting luck in battle,” and 必勝祈念 (hisshō kinen), often translated as “praying for certain victory.”

We can also make out what appear to be personal names, including the surname 栗原 (Kurihara), along with possible references to 神明神社 (Shinmei Shrine).

At the same time, we want to be careful with translations. The brushwork is old, the fabric is worn, and many inscriptions are difficult to interpret with certainty. We are not specialists in Japanese calligraphy.

Still, even partial readings changed the way we understood the flags.

The writing across the cloth came from the soldiers’ immediate worlds: family members, classmates, coworkers, neighbors, and local communities marking the soldier’s departure in ink. Whatever these flags became during the war, they began as deeply personal objects.

As antique dealers, we regularly handle material connected to difficult and complicated history. Military artifacts are part of that history, and there are serious collectors, historians, museums, veterans, and dealers who preserve these objects thoughtfully. We are not interested in telling others what should happen with items like these.

But for us, responsible stewardship meant recognizing that these particular flags may still have a place with families or communities connected to the names written across them.

While researching yosegaki hinomaru further, we came across OBON Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to returning Japanese wartime personal artifacts to families and communities in Japan.

Their researchers study inscriptions, names, shrines, schools, towns, military records, and other identifying details in an effort to trace items back to surviving relatives or hometown communities. In cases where direct descendants cannot be identified, the organization still works to place the objects respectfully through local institutions and regional custodians in Japan.

After spending time researching the flags and learning more about OBON Society’s work, we ultimately decided not to place them into inventory or offer them for sale.

Instead, both flags will be sent to OBON Society, where further research may help reconnect them with descendants or communities in Japan connected to the individuals whose names remain written across the cloth.

One line from OBON Society’s mission particularly resonated: “behind every artifact is a real human story filled with love, loss, remembrance, and healing.” We hope these flags are able to continue their journey home.

About OBON Society

OBON Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the repatriation of Japanese wartime personal artifacts, including yosegaki hinomaru flags, letters, diaries, photographs, and other inscribed personal effects.

Their return work is provided free of charge, though donations help support translation, archival research, and coordination efforts in both the United States and Japan.

Mr. Totoki (right) receiving his grandfather's Yosegaki Hinomaru
(photo courtesy of OBON Society)

For individuals who encounter similar items in estates or inherited collections, the organization advises against cleaning, reframing, repairing, or separating the objects from accompanying paperwork or provenance. Even small details can help researchers identify names, locations, or family connections.

More information about their work, research process, and return procedures can be found directly through OBON Society.

Do you have something you’d like for us to look at? Please reach out at antiques@petrinoandco.com, or fill out the form here to get in contact with us.

We are Ruby and Tom, and this is the beginning of Petrino & Co. Antiques.

Our goal with this Substack is simple: to help you see value in the objects around you.
How to recognize good craftsmanship. How to spot pieces worth keeping. How to build a home and a collection filled with things that retain or grow in value over time.

Here is what you can expect:

How to Spot Value
What to look for when you are out antiquing, thrifting, or sorting through family heirlooms.

The Collector’s Eye Series
Insights from Tom’s father (Tom Senior), who has worked in the antiques world for more than forty years, on how to assess quality and authenticity.

Stories and Craft
How objects were made, who made them, and how to recognize quality in their construction and finish. We will also look at hallmarks, materials, wear patterns, and care techniques, so you can build your eye and your confidence as you learn.

From Our Own Home
Pieces we live with, why we chose them, and how they shape the spaces we create.

How This Started

This began as a running joke between us: ‘plan B is antiques’ we’d say after difficult days grinding away in the corporate world. We said it lightly, again and again, without noticing how real it was becoming. Over time, the idea kept returning, steady and familiar. At some point, it no longer felt far away.

Eventually we asked the question seriously. Wait, why not? Why not build the life we kept talking about and work with the objects we love? So we chose to begin.

Meet Us

We have always shared a love for small, beautiful things. The ones that stop you in your tracks, and take your breath away for a moment. The ones that feel like they carry memory of the people that cherished them before. That feeling is where Petrino & Co. comes from.

Tom grew up around antiques. His father, Tom Senior, taught him how to recognize quality and care for objects with attention and respect. Early mornings at shop counters and house calls shaped his eye. He brings curiosity, patience, and a grounded understanding of value.

Ruby was raised around art, museums, and gallery rooms. She learned early to look closely and appreciate the quiet details that give an object character. She brings instinct, warmth, and a strong sense for pieces with presence and story.

Tom Sr. is our advisor and guide. He has been in the antiques world for more than forty years. His knowledge of jewelry, watches, silver, art glass, and collectibles is at the core of how we work. His perspective helps us evaluate pieces with clarity and confidence.

What We Do

We help people understand what they have and what it is worth.
We buy and sell antiques, jewelry, watches, silver, art glass, and design-forward objects.
We work with families, collectors, and fellow dealers.
We keep things simple, clear, and fair.

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Petrino & Co. Antiques
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