Japanese Imperial Guard Bayonet Fighting Badge

[Gunjinantiques]

Japanese Imperial Guard Army badge with a jukendo (bayonet fighting) helmet in front of crossed rifles. The writing on front reads YUUSHOU (Victory). The back reads KEIKOU SHUBITAI (Keiko Defense Force). Keikou is the Japanese name for an area located in present day north Korea, now known as Undok. Before that it was called Kyonghung. At the time it was probably known as Kyonfun in Japanese. On a side note, Japan first invaded that area in the 1500s. Talk about persistence! The badge was no doubt awarded for a jukendo tournament.

Edited March 20, 2009 by Gunjinantiques