The Korea Annexation Commemorative Medal was established to commemorate the forced occupation of Korea by Japan. The treaty was signed in 1910, but the medal was established in 1912.


OBVERSE: Crossed branches of paulonia (Japan) and plum (Korea). The Imperial mum crest is above.
REVERSE: Inscribed 'Korea Annexation Commemorative Medal, Meiji 43 [1910] August 29.'

Also shown on this page is the Korea Annexation Commemorative table medal made by the Japan Mint. Both silver and bronze types are here.

These are dated Meiji 43 [1910] August 29.Designed by I. Sato, who designed a number of Japanese Mint medals.
The obverse symbolism is a bit obscure, but it appears to be the sun rising on 
Korea. The reverse has a banner with the Japanese imperial mums and an 
outline of Korea in the background.

The Korea Annexation Commemorative Medal award 
document here was awarded to Kuwayama [Tosaburou?], holder of the 7th Decorated Rank.
Dated Taisho 1 [1912] August 1.
Recorded as medal number 21357.
Imperial mum crest watermark.

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​The final piece is an altered piece--perhaps mis-struck--with a plain circle where the mum should have been. Someone scratched a line to represent the Korean symbol.

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