Taisho Enthronement Commemorative Medal

The medal, with a diameter of 30 mm, is made of silver. The obverse features a gilded chrysanthemum, crossed branches of mandarin orange and cherry, along with long banners inscribed with “Banzai!” (May the Empire live for ten thousand years!). The reverse bears characters reading “Grand Enthronement / Commemorative Medal / 4th Year of Taisho / 11th Month” in four horizontal lines.

This commemorative medal was established by Imperial Edict No. 154 on August 13, 1915, in preparation for the enthronement ceremonies held in November of the same year in the ancient capital of Kyoto. According to the edict, the medal was to be awarded “to those summoned for the ‘senso’ ceremony (the accession to the throne); to those invited to the Grand Coronation Banquet and the Grand Ceremony of Accession; to those invited to banquets held in various locations; and to those officiating or serving in connection with the enthronement.” The Japanese emperor is not crowned but ascends to the throne through traditional ceremonies, rich in splendor and grandeur, typically held in Kyoto.