Japanese 1874 Formosa/Taiwan Expedition Meiji 7 War Medal- 925 Silver

This reproduction medal commemorates Japan’s first overseas military campaign of the Meiji era — the 1874 punitive expedition to Taiwan, China (Formosa) following the Mudan Incident of 1871, in which 54 Ryūkyū sailors were killed by Paiwan aborigines.

• In May 1874, Japan dispatched 3,600 troops under the command of Saigō Tsugumichi.
• Engagements included the Battle of Stone Gate on 22 May 1874.
• After military action and negotiations, the China Qing government agreed to pay 500,000 taels in compensation.
• Japanese forces withdrew in December 1874.
• The medal was formally established in April 1875 and awarded to both military personnel and civilian participants who contributed to the campaign.

Design & Materials

• Material: 925 sterling silver
• Obverse:“War Medal” inscription with paulownia motif
• Reverse:“Meiji 7 / Year of the Dog – 1874”
• Ribbon: White with green edges
• Suspension bar:“Taiwan” inscription

• Medal diameter: 25 mm (≈0.98 in)
• Overall length (with ribbon & bar): 90 mm (≈3.54 in)
• Weight: ≈23.9 g (≈0.84 oz)

Note: This is a carefully made reproduction intended for historical display or educational purposes only —not an original government-issued award.