It’s a Japanese flag that, according to my stepfather, was removed from the body of Lt. Takeshi Hirano, the pilot of a Japanese Zero that (with 307 others) Participated in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7th, 1941. My stepfather was a military survivor and was attached to “Fort Kam.,” and also the Motor Pool at the time. This becomes important because this is the spot where Lt. Hirano, after strafing nearby Hickam Field, misjudged the distance and slammed into the ground (killing himself instantly) and coming to rest against the side of Fort Kam., adjacent to the Motor Pool. According to my stepfather, he (and others) took items from the cockpit of the plane, to include this flag. The blood of the pilot is clearly visible, as is grease from the plane. I’ve tried to have the flag translated, but as Japanese has changed over time I was not successful. I would like to know if the pilot’s name is on the flag, or if it’s possible to tell the origin, authenticity, and value, if possible.

24 1/2" x 30"

It’s a Japanese flag that, according to my stepfather, was removed from the body of Lt. Takeshi Hirano, the pilot of a Japanese Zero that (with 307 others) Participated in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7th, 1941. My stepfather was a military survivor and was attached to “Fort Kam.,” and also the Motor Pool at the time. This becomes important because this is the spot where Lt. Hirano, after strafing nearby Hickam Field, misjudged the distance and slammed into the ground (killing himself instantly) and coming to rest against the side of Fort Kam., adjacent to the Motor Pool. According to my stepfather, he (and others) took items from the cockpit of the plane, to include this flag. The blood of the pilot is clearly visible, as is grease from the plane. I’ve tried to have the flag translated, but as Japanese has changed over time I was not successful. I would like to know if the pilot’s name is on the flag, or if it’s possible to tell the origin, authenticity, and value, if possible.