Can anyone read Japanese??

[jcichon]

Just wondering if anyone on this forum can read Japanese? I am a big WWII militaria collector and have a battle captured Japanese flag with lots of writing and was hoping someone could translate it for me. ANy help would be appreciated!

 

[khorgor]

hi mate.

although I can't help you, I shall refer you to http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/

There is a japanese militaria section there with many members who can translate the flags and many collectors who are both into flags and other militaria.

good luck and congrats on getting one of those flags.

oh btw - I did a militaria collectors thread a while ago here. If you like, would you post a photo there of your collection for us?

P.S. The flag is generally names, good luck messages plus the unit and home town of the soldier.

P.S.S hope its ok to link another forum. sorry mods

 

[jcichon]

Thanks Scott. I figured it was names or simple messages but I always want to know what it says. I would be happy to post some pics of my collection but I dont think we have enough room!!! Just off the top of my head....8 various helmets, Nazi flag, Japanese flag, 5 battle captured katana's, 30 or so different Nazi medals and badges and arm bands, just so much stuff!!!

 

[khorgor]

haha very nice.

I think you will find yourself right at home at wehrmacht as they are mostly german collectors with many international collectors as well (including me :-P)

they are very helpful to boot

 

[theBaron]

The only Japanese I know comes from reading Clavell's "Shogun" (and watching the miniseries back in the day)

Seriously, though, I'd look for any Japanese restaurant in your area. See if someone there can read Japanese (maybe the owner or staff are immigrants). Contact them and explain what you want, they might be willing to help.

 

[khorgor]

I would be very careful taking that approach baron. Not everyone has open eyes when it comes to militaria.

Plus the fact that these flags were a massive source of honour for a soldier and for someone not japanese to own it usually means that the original soldier was killed in the war and the flag taken from his body.

so yea...just be careful. Which is why I suggest using militaria collectors as you get people who understand your hobby and have a great deal of info about stuff (i.e flags were reproduced by american foot soldiers and sold to the american air force)

 

[housecarl]

Babel fish.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqY79y-SCbA