The Showa Enthronement Commemorative Medal was created to celebrate the ascension of Emperor Hirohito (the Showa Emperor) to the throne, who did so upon the death of his father in 1926. The enthronement ceremonies were held in 1928.
The medal was freely issued to people throughout the country who participated in the celebration ceremonies.
The Showa Enthronement Commemorative Medal Design
Some Showa Enthronement medals were struck in sharper relief, with the small gold mum crest as an attached piece. The ribbon was apparently designed from the drapes of the enthronement pavilion.
The obverse shows the imperial throne with the words ‘Banzai‘ written below. Cherry and orange blossoms surround the
ring. The reverse has cloud shapes and an inscription reading ‘Showa 3 [1928] November, Enthronement Commemorative
Medal.‘
The medal was awarded in a purple, red, black or brown (among other colors) cardboard case with gold lettering on the front.
