The Inter Allied Victory Medal (Japan)

Time Period: WW1
Institution: 1920
Country: Japan

The Allied Victory Medal was recommended by an inter-allied committee in March 1919. Fourteen victorius countries finally awarded the medal after World War I, and each allied nation would design a ‘Victory Medal’ for award to their own nationals. Certain features were to be shared: a winged figure of Victory on the obverse and the same ribbon.

The Japanese Allied Victory Medal was established by Imperial Edict #406 on 17 September 1920.

All the Inter-Allied Victory Medal Design (Japan)

The Victory Medal measures 36 millimetres (1.4 in) in diameter and was designed by William McMillan. The design and ribbon was also adopted by Belgium, Brazil, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Romania, Siam, Union of South Africa and the USA. Each allied nation would design a ‘Victory Medal’ for award to their own nationals, all issues having certain common features, including a winged figure of victory on the obverse and the same ribbon.

Japan’s obverse design was different from all other versions as it did not depict the goddess Victory. This figure from Roman mythology would have no connection to Japanese culture, so a depiction of Takemikazuchi, the war god in Japanese mythology occupies the obverse of the medal. Takemikazuchi (建御雷/武甕槌) is considered a god of thunder and a sword god.

The reverse shows the words ‘THE GREAT / WAR FOR / CIVILISATION / 1914-1919‘ surrounded by a laurel wreath.

The 39 millimeters (1.5 in) wide watered ribbon has an iridescent color scheme, with the violet moving through to a central red stripe where both schemes meet. It attaches to the medal through a ring suspender. The recipient’s name, rank, service number and unit were impressed on the edge of the medal. The name of the regiment or corps was omitted on medals awarded to Army officers.

All the Inter-Allied Victory Medal Variations

Each country involved in World War I had its own design and criteria for awarding the medal. These variations in design and inscription reflect the unique traditions and cultural aspects of each nation.