*Japan, c.1910–1940, Japanese Red Cross Society Membership Medal (Nippon Sekijūjisha)*
A Japanese Red Cross Society membership medal suspended from its original red ribbon with white edge stripes.
The circular silver-toned medal displays the emblematic design associated with the Japanese Red Cross. The obverse features a radiant sunburst above a Red Cross, surmounted by the Imperial Paulownia crest (Kiri Mon) with outstretched wings. The design is flanked by stylised botanical branches, all enclosed within a beaded border.
The medal is suspended from a red ribbed silk ribbon with paired white stripes near the edges, mounted in the traditional Japanese triangular suspension style with horizontal pin fitting to the reverse.
The reverse bears two horizontal lines of Japanese characters in seal script.
Translation: Top line (read right to left): 明治二十一年 – Meiji 21 (1888)
Bottom line (read right to left): 日本赤十字社 – Japan Red Cross Society
The date 1888 refers to the year the Japanese Red Cross Society formally instituted the membership medal following Japan’s adoption of the Geneva Convention. This date remained on medals for decades and does not indicate the actual manufacturing date.
Approx. Measurements – Medal diameter: approx. 30 mm.
History Note:
The Japanese Red Cross Society was founded in 1877 during the Satsuma Rebellion under the name Hakuaisha (Philanthropic Society). After Japan signed the Geneva Convention in 1886, the organisation was officially recognised as the national Red Cross society and renamed Nippon Sekijūjisha.
In 1888 (Meiji 21) the society introduced a series of decorations and membership badges to recognise donors, medical workers, and supporters of its humanitarian work.
The membership medal became one of the most widely issued Japanese decorations of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was awarded to individuals who supported the society financially or through service, including civilians, nurses, doctors, and military medical staff. During major conflicts such as the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) and the Second World War, membership expanded dramatically and large numbers of these medals were issued.
Earlier examples were usually silver, while later wartime issues were sometimes produced in base metals due to material shortages.
*Condition*
The medal retains clear detail to the obverse design with natural age patina to the metal. The ribbon remains attached but shows signs of age and wear, including fraying at the lower edge and some fading. The suspension pin on the reverse shows surface oxidation consistent with age. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
