JapanX

Box covers comparison

Another badge obverse/reverse

Obverse/reverse

In the box

Box cover

And now something different – same badge, but with different colors (decorative elements between rays change their color from yellow to red), different color of the box and different inscriptions on the box and on reverse of the badge.

Box 2

Both (early and later) badges are found in grey navy blue boxes with green cushions. Here we have several examples of such boxes. Box 1

Another example of later badge

Later badge obverse/reverse (please pay special attention to the pin!)

Enamel quality close up

Pre 1943 specimens have higher quality (they are made in semi-noble alloy (judging by the patina) and have hot enamel) than later ones (they are made in aluminum alloy and painted). Early badge obverse/reverse

As we know Air Defense Association issued badges for its members in the following classes Supporting member badge Regular member badge Special member badge Merit badge Of course the most interesting and beautiful badge among this group is Merit (Meritorious) Member Badge (this badge described in Paul Murphy and Steven Ackley book “In the name of Living God”, page 44 as Meritorious Member Badge). I think that this badge had two grades. Let’s talk about that.

Why somebody would think that this may be military alliance (between two countries) group of badges? Maybe because of the bow ribbon colours (especially in case of ribbon colours for variation 2 and variation 3) and reverse inscription (cooperation/alliance)? But what about variation 1 and variation 4 badges? What kind the alliance is this? Personally I don’t like these hypotheses. I think chances are pretty high that this is some unknown to us patriotic/army support/service women’s association badge. What do you think? Cheers, Nick

This badge has similar form and dragon on obverse (nice looking cat on reverse by the way ). The obverse kanji reads Yakushido (Yakushi Hall – Buddhist temple) and Nakiryuu (Crying Dragon). The reverse kanji reads Nikkosan (area name). The Yakushi temple was built to venerate the “medicine Buddha” known as Yakushi in Japanese. But I think the link between this badge and previous group of badges is pretty weak (to put it mildly). No stars in sight

Reverse

Obverse

Considerations Obverse: what we have here is three-finger Japanese dragon with colour star or star with some kind of jewel (Watatsumi-no-Kami? – Dragon God of water and protector of Japan). Star in the centre of the bow is obviously representing imperial army (or connection with it). Reverse: on background enamel red we see kanji Doumei (join, cooperation, brotherhood or alliance). Why somebody would think that this is volunteer doctor group of badges? Maybe this badge is responsible?

Another badge obverse

Reverse close up

Obverse close up

Reverse

Variation 4 “Star with green jewel” Obverse

Reverse

Variation 3 “Yellow star” Obverse