| Labor Merit Badges |
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This is nicknamed the 'Golden Kite Badge for Industrial Warriors.' It was awarded to those who displayed
exceptional merit and diligence in the factories, including those who died in raids. It is said to have been
instituted on September 18, 1942 by Imperial Edict, and the higher class badge was supposed to be
hand-given to the recipient by a government minister.
These badges were made by the Japan Mint and were designed by Hinago Jitsuzou (1892-1945), a famous
sculptor and designer. This gentleman also designed the 1939 China War Dispatch medal, the 1944 Great
East Asia War Commemorative medal, and, unrelated to medals, the logo of the Japan Football Association
(the three-legged crow design). He may have designed others, too, but I'm not sure.
The design has enameled tomoe crest figures and four pearls. The central figure is a small girl holding a bag
or something. I believe I read that she is offering a gift to the gods. The circular device around the girl looks
like a gear or some sort of machine part.
The reverse of this badge is inscribed 'Labor Merit Badge,' which suggests the above may be correct. The
lower class badge is inscribed 'Labor Badge.'
exceptional merit and diligence in the factories, including those who died in raids. It is said to have been
instituted on September 18, 1942 by Imperial Edict, and the higher class badge was supposed to be
hand-given to the recipient by a government minister.
These badges were made by the Japan Mint and were designed by Hinago Jitsuzou (1892-1945), a famous
sculptor and designer. This gentleman also designed the 1939 China War Dispatch medal, the 1944 Great
East Asia War Commemorative medal, and, unrelated to medals, the logo of the Japan Football Association
(the three-legged crow design). He may have designed others, too, but I'm not sure.
The design has enameled tomoe crest figures and four pearls. The central figure is a small girl holding a bag
or something. I believe I read that she is offering a gift to the gods. The circular device around the girl looks
like a gear or some sort of machine part.
The reverse of this badge is inscribed 'Labor Merit Badge,' which suggests the above may be correct. The
lower class badge is inscribed 'Labor Badge.'
| Imperial Japan Medals and Badges |
A lower class badge. No rays. The center is silver
(not gold) and the balls are metal (the higher class
includes pearls or pearl-like objects.
(not gold) and the balls are metal (the higher class
includes pearls or pearl-like objects.
Paulownia wood case, unlacquered.
