Japan, Occupied Manchukuo. A National Shrine Foundation Commemorative Medal

Instituted in 1940. In silvered bronze, measuring 30.3 mm in diameter, edge nicks, scattered silvering wear, original ribbon with hook and eye, near extremely fine.

Footnote: In 1935, the Special Service Bureau of the occupying Japanese Imperial Kwantung (or Guandong) Army announced plans to build a Shinto Shrine in Manchukuo, to "promote friendship between Japan and Manchukuo, and dedicated to the Sun Goddess, the Emperor Meiji, and the Manchu ancestors". During the war years, the Japanese Army customarily erected these shrines in newly conquered lands, to symbolize the spread of the Imperial rule. The National Foundation Sacred Shrine was formally established in the national palace at Hsinking on July 15, 1940.