Japan 2600Th National Anniversary Commemorative Medal

The medal has a diameter of 30 mm and is made from an aluminium-bronze alloy. The medal and its case are in very good condition.

On the obverse, it displays the chrysanthemum crest along with the sacred double bridge leading to the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. In the background are depictions of the ancestral shrine, the imperial sanctuary, and the imperial palace.

The reverse side bears inscriptions that translate to: “2600th National Anniversary Commemorative Medal” and “15th Year of Showa” below.

The ribbon is violet with eight red stripes. The violet symbolizes the Great Sky, while the red represents loyalty. The eight stripes signify the motto “hakko-ichi-u” (the eight parts of the world in one universe).

The 2600th anniversary of the foundation of Japan was celebrated in november 1940 to mark the 2,600 years since the legendary founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu, the first Emperor of Japan, in 660 BCE. According to Japan’s traditional historical narrative, Emperor Jimmu is believed to have ascended the throne on February 11, 660 BCE, marking the beginning of the Japanese imperial line.

In 1940, this milestone was commemorated with large-scale celebrations throughout Japan, emphasizing the country’s imperial legacy, national unity, and cultural identity. The event took place during World War II and was used by the government to foster patriotism and strengthen the nation’s resolve during a challenging period in its history.

Though the 660 BCE date is based on Japanese mythology and ancient historical records, it remains a significant symbolic date in Japan’s cultural and historical traditions. The anniversary itself is known in Japanese as the Kigen 2600 or the 2600th National Foundation Festival (紀元2600年).