This collection comprises five historically significant medals from the Japanese Empire, spanning Manchukuo occupation, wartime commemoratives, and imperial ceremonial events. These medals represent Japan’s military, colonial, and imperial heritage during the early-to-mid 20th century.
1. Manchukuo – Order of the Pillar of the State, VIII Class
Official Name: 国柱勲章 (Kokuchū Kunshō) – Order of the Pillar of the State
Class: VIII Class (Lowest Rank)
Dimensions: 51.35 mm (height, including bar suspension) x 40.44 mm (width)
Material: Silvered metal with enamel details
Suspension: Bar suspension (ribbon missing)
Overview & Historical Significance:
Instituted in 1936 to reward officials, soldiers, and loyal Manchukuo citizens under Japanese occupation.
Conferred until 1945, marking the end of Japanese control in Manchuria.
VIII Class was awarded for administrative service, making it one of the most common Manchukuo awards.
Symbol of Japan’s colonial presence in China, now sought after by collectors.
2. Original Imperial Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, 7th Class (Cased)
Official Name: 旭日章 (Kyokujitsu-shō) – Order of the Rising Sun
Class: 7th Class
Dimensions: 34.24 mm (height) x 30.98 mm (width)
Material: Silver
Overview & Historical Significance:
Established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji, the Order of the Rising Sun was Japan’s first national decoration.
Awarded for distinguished civilian or military service, particularly in government, diplomacy, and cultural fields.
The 7th Class was a lower-ranking yet prestigious honor.
3 & 4. Two China Incident War Commemorative Medals (Imperial Japanese Army Medals)
Official Name: 支那事変従軍記章 (China Incident Commemorative Medal)
Dimensions:
41.52 mm x 36.88 mm
41.41 mm x 36.99 mm
Overview & Historical Significance:
Issued to Japanese Army & Navy personnel who participated in the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945).
The China Incident refers to the Japanese invasion of China, which escalated into WWII.
Medals were awarded to soldiers, officers, and auxiliary personnel involved in combat operations and occupation duties.
Both medals feature Japanese script and military symbolism, indicating their official status.
5. Japan, 1928 Silver Medal for the Enthronement of Emperor Showa
Official Name: 昭和天皇御即位記念章 (Showa Emperor Enthronement Commemorative Medal)
Year: 1928
Diameter: 24.44 mm
Suspension: Loop for attachment (ribbon missing)
Overview & Historical Significance:
Issued to commemorate the enthronement of Emperor Hirohito (Showa Emperor) in 1928.
Hirohito reigned from 1926–1989, overseeing Japan’s military expansion, WWII, and post-war reconstruction.
Awarded to government officials, military personnel, and select civilians who participated in enthronement ceremonies.
Features imperial symbols such as chrysanthemums and sacred regalia.
This five-medal lot represents a broad spectrum of Imperial Japan’s military and ceremonial decorations, covering:
Japanese colonial rule in Manchukuo (Order of the Pillar of the State, VIII Class)
Prestigious military-civilian honor (Order of the Rising Sun, 7th Class – Cased)
WWII Japan-China war service recognition (China Incident Medals – Two variations)
Imperial ceremony commemoration (1928 Showa Emperor Enthronement Medal)
Condition & Considerations:
All medals lack ribbons, affecting display but not authenticity.
Two China Incident Medals provide a set variation.
Manchukuo award reflects Japan’s colonial expansion.
This set is ideal for militaria collectors, WWII historians, and Japanese imperial memorabilia enthusiasts.