The Commemorative Medal for the Imperial Constitution Promulgation was established in 1889 to celebrate the first constitution of Japan (known informally as the Meiji Constitution, 明治憲法, Meiji Kenpō, which was proclaimed on February 11, 1889). Enacted after the Meiji Restoration in 1868, it provided for a form of mixed constitutional and absolute monarchy, based jointly on the German and British models.
The gold medal was awarded to Imperial princes and the silver to people of chokunin or sonin rank. There was also a women’s version with a bow ribbon.
