Japanese Red Senninari, (1000 Stitch Belt)

Axis Powers > Japanese > Belt Buckles >

Very nicely conditioned example in red with yellow stitches a bit unusual but a bonus to find. Measures approx 42" x 5.5" with 2 sets of 3 snaps. There are no holes or tears. Upon the red senninbari are displayed the five kanji for Ki Buun Choukyuu "Prayers for Eternal Good Fortune in Battle". Of interest is that the Ki kanji (祈) is located in the center. Without the Ki it would be the more often noted 武運長久 Buun (Fortunes of war) Choukyuu (Forever/perpetually) usually translated as "Eternal Good Fortune in Battle". Also depicted are what appear to be star/bomb? bursts toward both ends as well as two airplanes along the upper portion. Perhaps the recipient was bound for service with a Naval Air unit as there is also a wave pattern sewn into the belt. We'll never know. Sewn into a small pouch in the fabric is what I believe to be a small piece of folded paper upon which slogans and well wishes are probably written.