| Imperial Japan Medals and Badges |
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| Satsuma/Ryukyu Medal |
The Satsuma/Ryukyu medal is the oldest Japanese medal, and no doubt the rarest.
It was created in 1866 by the Satsuma Domain for the 1867 Paris Exhibition. It was
made to impress Japan's European counterparts by giving a hint that Japan was
modern. The design emulated the French Legion of Honor medal.
One source I found said that this medal was awarded to Napoleon III and other
dignitaries (nationality unspecified). Another source was more specific, saying that
Napoleon III and other French officials received this award. Of course, the main
Japanese delegate to this exhibition, Tokugawa Akitake, also wore the medal. It is
unclear if other Japanese delegates were given this medal, but it seems as though
they were not.
Peterson has a line drawing of the medal in his book. In addition, he claims that the
medal was destroyed by fire in WWII. However, he appears to be mistaken since
sources in Japan have photos of the only known example of this medal. The
accompanying text in these books never refers to a fire nor to the pictured medal
being a replica, so I am assuming it is the original medal. It is housed in a museum
in Kagoshima, the Shoukoshuseikan, which is an old mansion of the Shimazu clan.
I have never seen the medal, so the pictures I am including here are from books.
The design has an enameled red star and in the middle of the star is the family crest
of the Shimazu clan. On the reverse are two rows of kanji that read 'Gift for Civilians
and Military Men.' I have never seen even a photo of the reverse, but that inscription
was written in a Japanese book on medals.
It was created in 1866 by the Satsuma Domain for the 1867 Paris Exhibition. It was
made to impress Japan's European counterparts by giving a hint that Japan was
modern. The design emulated the French Legion of Honor medal.
One source I found said that this medal was awarded to Napoleon III and other
dignitaries (nationality unspecified). Another source was more specific, saying that
Napoleon III and other French officials received this award. Of course, the main
Japanese delegate to this exhibition, Tokugawa Akitake, also wore the medal. It is
unclear if other Japanese delegates were given this medal, but it seems as though
they were not.
Peterson has a line drawing of the medal in his book. In addition, he claims that the
medal was destroyed by fire in WWII. However, he appears to be mistaken since
sources in Japan have photos of the only known example of this medal. The
accompanying text in these books never refers to a fire nor to the pictured medal
being a replica, so I am assuming it is the original medal. It is housed in a museum
in Kagoshima, the Shoukoshuseikan, which is an old mansion of the Shimazu clan.
I have never seen the medal, so the pictures I am including here are from books.
The design has an enameled red star and in the middle of the star is the family crest
of the Shimazu clan. On the reverse are two rows of kanji that read 'Gift for Civilians
and Military Men.' I have never seen even a photo of the reverse, but that inscription
was written in a Japanese book on medals.
Note that the line drawing in
Peterson is accurate except for
the suspension device.
Peterson's pictures shows a
blossom shape, but this photo
(and the two below) show a
tied ribbon.
Peterson is accurate except for
the suspension device.
Peterson's pictures shows a
blossom shape, but this photo
(and the two below) show a
tied ribbon.
From a book published by the Japanese Awards and Medals Department, 2007
From two older books. Note the fold in the ribbon are exactly the same, so
this is the same photo printed in different books. The one on the left, though,
shows that this medal has a case that had a latch on the side. It appears
that the interior is fitted to the medal. No photos of the case lid, sorry to say.
this is the same photo printed in different books. The one on the left, though,
shows that this medal has a case that had a latch on the side. It appears
that the interior is fitted to the medal. No photos of the case lid, sorry to say.