OBON SOCIETY had the pleasure of meeting Mary and her four college friends, Kate, Joan, Gaia, and Chris, at the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, Oregon. They came to witness Mary hand over a Yosegaki Hinomaru (Japanese Good Luck Flag) that had been brought back from World War II by her grandmother’s friend.

 

Keiko Ziak, one of OBON SOCIETY’s co-founders, shared the history of these flags and offered insight into some of the handwritten messages. We are deeply grateful to Mary and her friends for taking the time to meet with us, and we hope this flag will soon find its way back to the family in Japan!