The Commemorative Badge for the Foundation of the Manchukuo Empire is one of many commemorative items that were made on the occasion of the founding of the Manchukuo Empire. Similar items were also produced on subsequent anniversaries.
Although these badges had a suspension ring, they were probably never actually worn. Their function was more decorative, with most of them probably bought as a gift for others.
The Commemorative Badge for the Foundation of the Manchukuo Empire Design
The obverse shows two branches around an enameled national flag. These are sorghum branches and buds, a plant used often on Manchukuo items. Although the official imperial crest is the orchid, the sorghum was used as a symbol of the nation, just as the cherry blossom is used as a symbol of Japan.
The reverse shows the inscription ‘Manchukuo Empire, Daidou 2 [1933] March 1st, National Foundation 1-Year Anniversary Commemorative.’
The badge was kept in a paulownia wood box with an inscription reading ‘Manchukuo Empire, National Foundation 1-Year Anniversary Commemorative.’
