This is an original medal awarded to participants of the Imperial Japanese Army's "Special Grand Maneuvers" in Taisho 7 (1918), the final year of World War I. These nationwide war games brought together elite divisions-including the 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 18th Divisions-under the direct review of the Emperor.
The obverse shows classic Japanese military symbols (rising sun flag, rifle, sword), while the reverse lists all participating divisions. These maneuvers played a vital role in modernizing Japan's army, introducing new tactics and strengthening national morale at a pivotal moment in Japanese and world history.Only those who served on the front lines of this massive exercise received this medal, making it a truly rare artifact. A superb piece for collectors of WWI, Japanese militaria, and anyone seeking to own a tangible link to a forgotten chapter of global military history. Own a Piece of History.