This collection includes five Imperial Japanese medals, spanning Manchukuo occupation, WWII-era awards, and significant military honors. These medals hold historical value related to Japan’s military expansion, occupation of China, and commemorative recognitions.
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: 50.60 mm (height, including bar suspension) x 40.43 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 citizens of Manchukuo (a Japanese puppet state in China from 1932-1945).
Awarded until 1945, when Manchukuo was dissolved after Japan’s surrender.
Considered a symbol of Japanese imperial influence in China, making it controversial but historically significant.
VIII Class was awarded for administrative service, not battlefield achievements.
2. WWII Japanese "China Incident" Related Sakura Medal
Official Name: Not officially documented but linked to the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)
Dimensions: 28.33 mm (height) x 25.07 mm (width)
Suspension: Small attachment loop (ribbon missing)
Overview & Historical Significance:
This Sakura (Cherry Blossom) medal appears to be a wartime service recognition for soldiers who participated in the China Incident (Sino-Japanese War).
Cherry blossoms symbolized the spirit of the Japanese soldier—bravery, fleeting life, and devotion to the emperor.
Likely issued to both Army and Navy personnel involved in operations in China.
3. Japan - Order of the Rising Sun, 7th Class (Commemorative Silver Medal)
Official Name: 旭日章 (Kyokujitsu-shō) – Order of the Rising Sun
Class: 7th Class
Dimensions: 33.61 mm x 30.82 mm
Material: Silver
Suspension: Loop for ribbon attachment (ribbon missing)
Maker Mark: Hallmark present on reverse
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, especially in government, diplomacy, and cultural contributions.
7th Class was one of the lower ranks, but still a prestigious award.
4. Japan - Order of the Rising Sun, 7th Class (Imperial Military Version)
Dimensions: 34.38 mm x 31.10 mm
Material: Silver
Suspension: Traditional loop (ribbon missing)
Overview & Historical Significance:
Another 7th Class Order of the Rising Sun, possibly a military-issue variation.
Similar to the previous medal, but could have been given to officers or officials in wartime Japan.
The military version of the Rising Sun order was more commonly awarded to officers, as opposed to government administrators or civilians.
5. Sino-Japanese War Medal – Commemorative Medal (Imperial Japanese Army)
Dimensions: 41.28 mm (height) x 37.15 mm (width)
Suspension: Loop for attachment (ribbon missing)
Overview & Historical Significance:
Likely a 1937-1945 Second Sino-Japanese War commemorative medal.
Awarded to Japanese Army personnel who served in China.
Could have been issued by wartime military command or veteran associations post-war.
Features Japanese characters and national emblems, indicating military issue.
This five-medal lot represents Imperial Japan’s military and colonial history, covering:
Japanese rule in Manchukuo (Order of the Pillar of the State, VIII Class)
Wartime service recognition (China Incident Sakura Medal)
*Prestigious Rising Sun Orders (7th Class, two variations)
Sino-Japanese War commemorative military medal
Condition Issues:
All medals lack their original ribbons
Despite missing ribbons, this historically significant set is valuable to collectors of Japanese militaria, WWII artifacts, and Manchukuo relics.