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10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

Why does the medal have a rainbow ribbon?

Every country that fought on the winning side of World War I used this exact same ribbon. The colorful stripes were meant to show peace returning after the dark storm of war. By using the same ribbon, all the Allied nations showed they were united in their shared victory.

Who is the figure on the Japanese victory medal?

The figure is Takemikazuchi-no-Kami, a powerful god from ancient Japanese stories. He is known as the god of bravery and skill in battle. On the medal, he is shown holding a long sword to represent the strength of the Japanese military.

Why did Japan not use the winged goddess of victory?

Many Western countries chose a Greek goddess to stand for victory on their medals. Japan decided to be different by picking a hero from its own special history and myths. This helped make the medal feel more meaningful to the Japanese soldiers who received it.

How many of these medals were handed out?

The Japanese government minted about 700,000 of these medals starting in 1920. They were given to the brave men in the army and navy who served during the war. This ensured that every person who helped win the conflict was properly honored for their service.

Did other Allied countries make similar medals?

Yes, many countries like the United States, Britain, and France created their own version of the victory medal. While they all shared the same rainbow ribbon, each nation was allowed to design its own picture on the bronze coin. This allowed every country to celebrate the win in their own unique way.

Why does the medal have a rainbow ribbon?

Every country that fought on the winning side of World War I used this exact same ribbon. The colorful stripes were meant to show peace returning after the dark storm of war. By using the same ribbon, all the Allied nations showed they were united in their shared victory.

Who is the figure on the Japanese victory medal?

The figure is Takemikazuchi-no-Kami, a powerful god from ancient Japanese stories. He is known as the god of bravery and skill in battle. On the medal, he is shown holding a long sword to represent the strength of the Japanese military.

Why did Japan not use the winged goddess of victory?

Many Western countries chose a Greek goddess to stand for victory on their medals. Japan decided to be different by picking a hero from its own special history and myths. This helped make the medal feel more meaningful to the Japanese soldiers who received it.

How many of these medals were handed out?

The Japanese government minted about 700,000 of these medals starting in 1920. They were given to the brave men in the army and navy who served during the war. This ensured that every person who helped win the conflict was properly honored for their service.

Did other Allied countries make similar medals?

Yes, many countries like the United States, Britain, and France created their own version of the victory medal. While they all shared the same rainbow ribbon, each nation was allowed to design its own picture on the bronze coin. This allowed every country to celebrate the win in their own unique way.

Home Library JapanWorld War I Inter-Allied Victory Medal

Service medal

World War I Inter-Allied Victory Medal

Japan's version of the shared Allied victory medal celebrating the end of World War I.

Japan Established 1920 Imperial Japanese Army and NavyPrecedence: Worn directly after Japanese national campaign medals for the Great War

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for military service during World War I alongside the Allied coalition.

Eligibility

All Imperial Japanese military personnel who mobilized for the Great War.

Branch

Imperial Japanese Army and Navy

Precedence

Worn directly after Japanese national campaign medals for the Great War

World War I Inter-Allied Victory Medal, Service medal, Japan medal

History

After winning World War I, Allied nations agreed to create a common victory medal. Each country used the same rainbow ribbon, but was allowed to design its own bronze medal. Japan officially established its version in 1920.

While Western nations placed the Roman goddess of victory on the front, Japan chose Takemikazuchi-no-Kami, the ancient Shinto god of martial valor and courage. He is shown holding a long sword.

The reverse side shows the globe inside a ring with the names of the Allied countries in Japanese characters. Around 700,000 medals were minted and presented to veterans who helped win the war.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War I

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Isoroku Yamamoto, including Great East Asia War Medal, China Incident War Medal, World War I Inter-Allied Victory Medal, Russo-Japanese War Medal, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Order of the Rising Sun, Order of the Golden Kite, World War I War Medal, shown against a light Japan flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Great East Asia War Medal China Incident War Medal World War I Inter-Allied Victory Medal+5

Isoroku Yamamoto

Who Was Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto?

The Japanese Admiral who planned the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Japan1941-12-07

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Sources

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