Description
Japanese 2600th National Anniversary Commemorative Medal
Up for sale is an original Japanese 2600th National Anniversary Commemorative Medal, issued in 1940 to mark the mythic 2600th year since the founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first emperor of Japan, traditionally dated to 660 BCE.
This bronze medal features bold, imperial symbolism celebrating the continuity and divinity of the Japanese Empire. The obverse showcases crossed Rising Sun flags, the Imperial chrysanthemum crest, and stylized paulownia leaves, framed in classic military and nationalistic motifs. The top bar, inscribed in kanji, commemorates the imperial year Kōki 2600, reflecting Japan’s state ideology of unbroken imperial rule.
Awarded to military personnel, government officials, and select civilians, this medal was part of a large national celebration intended to reinforce loyalty to the Emperor and support for Japan’s militaristic and expansionist agenda leading into World War II. The blue-and-green silk ribbon reflects formal imperial colors and often appears mounted with its original suspension bar.
A striking piece of WWII-era Japanese propaganda and ceremonial regalia, this medal is a tangible artifact of Japan’s imperial mythos at the height of its nationalist fervor. A strong addition to any collection of Axis militaria, wartime Japanese decorations, or imperial memorabilia.
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