Common symbols on cups.
Here is a list of some common symbols found on Japanese military cups (and civilian
cups as well). Many of them are old and traditional symbols, used throughout
Japanese history. Some are painfully obvious, but I'll include them anyway.
Cherry blossom: Japan, Japanese soldier, brevity of life
Cherry blossom petal: Soldier giving his life for Emperor
Pine trees: Endurance, long life
Mt Fuji: Any single mountain can be considered to represent Mt. Fuji, which is
a symbol of Japan
Mum: Imperial flower & crest
Mum and Water: Imperial crest
Paulonia leaves: Imperial crest
Crane: Long life
Turtle (usually with a long tail): Long life
Star: Army or sometimes just the military in general
Anchor: Navy
Star & Cherry blossom branches: Imperial Guard
Horse: Cavalry or transport unit
Sun: Usually a rising sun, which represents Japan
Sword: Soldier