Japanese Post WWII, Great East Asia War Medal & Case

Original era manufacture. Instituted in 1944 to honor those who served in WWII, around 10,000 examples were produced by the Osaka Mint. After the surrender in 1945, the remaining inventory, minus a few prior posthumous awards, were destroyed under orders of the Allied Occupying Forces. In the 1950's Japanese veteran and patriotic groups had the medal re-struck for presentation to surviving veterans. This is postwar restrike. It is very well made and resides in its black plastic issue case with blue velvet lining.