Aardbeving in Japan 1923 1923

This bronze medal was designed by Jacob Jan van Goor to raise money for the victims of the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake in Japan. On one side, a Dutchman shakes hands with a Japanese person, symbolizing international solidarity. The medal was produced in the Netherlands, reflecting the country's historical trade relations with Japan, dating back to the 17th century when the Dutch East India Company was the only Western entity allowed to trade there. The medal invokes this shared history between the two nations. The Japanese text on the medal references "Friendship and Consideration." On the other side, an inscription reads "Support coin for the victims of the great disaster on September 1, 1923" above an image of flames. Objects like this medal are a fascinating source for social historians. They allow us to examine the networks of international aid and cultural exchange that emerged in response to humanitarian crises. Further research into Dutch archives and historical records would reveal more about the specific motivations and networks behind this fundraising effort.