2 Japanese flags with writing

[mbec]

Hi all. I have these flags and was looking for some translation please if possible. I don't know how they should be oriented but I believe I have the cotton facing forward. The silk one I took photos of both sides because I was not sure which was the front. Also, do they hang from the strings at the top? or do they hang like a U.S. flag normally on the side? thanks for any and all information. I've wondered for a long time what they said.

Thanks Mark

[Mr. Bushido]

On the upper side, the names of the people gathered to inspire the soldiers on the battlefield are signed.
There is not much information available from this.

Based on the wording, it is highly likely that the unit were scheduled to be dispatched to the Chinese【=大陸】 front.

 

The lower side is also roughly the same.
However, it can be seen that the soldier's name is "Hei-saku Sai-to【=齋藤 兵䇿】".
It also contains national song lyrics【=君が代は…】 and slogans related to Shintoism【=神威遍耀】.

The sign on the left seems to have been written by the mayor of Taira【=平市長】, a city that existed in Fukushima Prefecture at the time.

 

[mbec]

Thank you Mr. Bushido. I was hoping you would look. It makes sense as the soldier whose family I got this from was in China during the war.

Mark