Flag or Banner identification

[Ron STL]

Hope this is okay to post this here. A friend asked for help in identifying this flag, or more likely, banner. It looks to be of good quality and must have been of some importance. I'm as curious as he is. Can anyone explain what this is??? Measures 42" x 22" and is two-sided. Thanks! Ron STL

[John A Stuart]

帝國在郷軍人會 Japanese Empire Veterans Society. 弟十二師菅聨合支部 not sure Junior 12th something Sub-division. 劍道大會 Kendo Association. John

[k morita]

Hi, :D

This flag is a championship flag of Kendo (Japanese fencing) match　in a tournament.

The sponsor was Japanese Empire Veterans Society, and a branch of The 12th Military district(The 12th division).

Maybe pre WWII period.

[Toryu2020]

And a very neat item Ron

-t

[Ron STL]

Thanks everyone, that's some interesting information. I'll pass this on to my friend out in Louisville, Kentucky. I believe it is something an uncle brought back -- an Iwo veteran/survivor -- and a keepsake. Appreciate the explaination; totally beyond my reading of the Japanese, for sure. Thanks again! Ron STL