| Army Technical Merit Badge |
| Imperial Japan Medals and Badges |
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This was awarded to people who developed or invented military armaments or other things related
to the military. It is a thick, heavy badge and it has a pure silver mark at the bottom, which means
that this was a special award. Although other badges were made with pure silver, this badge was
established in 1941 when metal was at a premium in Japan.
Each badge is stamped with a number on the reverse, which probably corresponds to the entry in
the ledger roll that show who received the badges. Other medal ledger rolls were destroyed in the
firebombings of WW2, so it is possible that these rolls did not survive.
The Japanese title of the badge is Rikugun Gijutsu Kishou, which translates into Army Technical
Badge. Some sources call this the Army Technical Merit Badge, but the word 'merit' is not to be
found on the case nor on the badge.
Peterson makes a couple of errors in his description of the badge (see page 108 of his book).
First, and most obvious, is that the photo is upside-down. Second, he states that there are two
kanji at the top when obviously there is only one: It is the GI in Gijutsu (technical).
Established on Showa 16 [1941] August 18th.
to the military. It is a thick, heavy badge and it has a pure silver mark at the bottom, which means
that this was a special award. Although other badges were made with pure silver, this badge was
established in 1941 when metal was at a premium in Japan.
Each badge is stamped with a number on the reverse, which probably corresponds to the entry in
the ledger roll that show who received the badges. Other medal ledger rolls were destroyed in the
firebombings of WW2, so it is possible that these rolls did not survive.
The Japanese title of the badge is Rikugun Gijutsu Kishou, which translates into Army Technical
Badge. Some sources call this the Army Technical Merit Badge, but the word 'merit' is not to be
found on the case nor on the badge.
Peterson makes a couple of errors in his description of the badge (see page 108 of his book).
First, and most obvious, is that the photo is upside-down. Second, he states that there are two
kanji at the top when obviously there is only one: It is the GI in Gijutsu (technical).
Established on Showa 16 [1941] August 18th.
Obverse: 3.3 cm wide, 5.5 cm long.
Weight of badge: 39 grams.
Weight of badge: 39 grams.
5-pointed Army star and a raised kanji for 'technical.'
Geared wheel, within which are alternating
Japanese traditional spears and shields.
These obviously symbolize militancy and the
wheel modern technology.
Japanese traditional spears and shields.
These obviously symbolize militancy and the
wheel modern technology.
Raised kanji read 'Army Technical Badge.'
Plain field. Simple pin and catch.
Plain field. Simple pin and catch.
203 probably collates with a number in a
ledger roll that would also indicate who
received this badge and for what reason.
At the bottom is 'jungin' (pure silver).
ledger roll that would also indicate who
received this badge and for what reason.
At the bottom is 'jungin' (pure silver).
The lacquer here is thin. The wood grains can be seen.
'Army Technical Badge'
is inscribed in silver gilt.
is inscribed in silver gilt.
Fitted purple silk interior.
Silk piece covers the
hinge assembly.
Silk piece covers the
hinge assembly.
The latch is in the shape of a Japanese shield,
much as other medal case latches are. This one is
smooth while other latches (on cases for different
medal) are often pebbled.
much as other medal case latches are. This one is
smooth while other latches (on cases for different
medal) are often pebbled.
Common hinge construction
The bottom of the box.
A different badge. I do not see a stamped
number on the reverse.
number on the reverse.