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Police Assignment
1st Line
陸軍憲兵軍曹勲七等野徳治 Army Military Police Sergeant Order Seventh Grade Tokuharu Nokuji
2nd Line
任朝鮮總督府警部 Assigned Police Department of the Governor-General’s Office of Korea
3rd Line
明治四十四年十月〹四日 Meiji 44 year, 10 month, 24 day (Oct. 24 1911)
Certificate of Commendation
A common 1941 (昭和十六年三月十日) Imperial Japanese Army (IJA), Certificate of Commendation 表彰狀, dated Showa 16th year, 3rd month, 10th day (March 10, 1941).
What makes this document somewhat rare is that it is signed by IJA Lieutenant General 陸軍中将 Yi Wang Eun 李王垠 (이왕은), commander of the Osaka Division 大阪師團長. Yi Wang Eun was the last (official) crown prince of the Korean Empire.
There is still an imperial royal family in Korea, but they exist in name and lineage only. They do not rule Korea; they are not recognized by the Korean government, and they have no political power.
Yi Kang 이강 (李堈; 1877–1955) was the 5th son of Emperor Kojong by one of his concubines, Imperial Consort Gwi-in of the Deoksu Jang clan (귀인 장씨; 1860–?). Yi Kang’s 9th son was Yi Gap 이갑 (李鉀), and his eldest son is Yi Won 이원 (李源). In 2005, Yi Won was appointed by the Jeonju Yi Royal Family Association 전주이씨대동종약원 (全州李氏大同宗約院) as the 29th head of the Korean Imperial family.
The current Crown Prince is a Korean-American tech entrepreneur named Andrew Lee who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born and raised in Indianapolis and only learned of his family’s royal connection when a family member casually mentioned they were part of the former imperial royal family of Chosŏn.
There are several pretenders to the throne, some of whom want to establish a constitutional monarchy in South Korea. Some members of the family are actively involved in cultural and historical preservation. Most Koreans do not support a royal family, but they do acknowledge the family’s historical significance.
Approximately 43 x 31.5 cm (16.9 x 12.4 inches).
Dismissal from Service Document
Reading from left to right
Monopoly Bureau, currently attached to the Governor‑General of Korea, Kiyono Shigemi, Official of the Monopoly Bureau 專賣局屬兼朝鮮總督府專賣局屬清野重美
Relieved from current post 免兼官
February 10, 1943 昭和十八年二月十日
Governor‑General of Korea 朝鮮總督府
Although he has been dismissed from his current position, it is not an indication of poor performance. He may have been demoted, but he could also have been promoted, sent to a position of equal importance, moved to a position that was more suited to his talents, or retired from service.
1902 Japanese Passport
(Right Side)
The said person is proceeding to Fusan (Pusan), Jinsen (Inchon), and Keijo (Seoul) 該氏名前往 釜山、仁川、京城
As long as there is no urgent matter, it is respectfully requested that the authorities along the route allow free travel without obstruction and kindly provide care, protection, and assistance. 任憑旅行無阻如冇緊要事即請沿途各官加意照料善爲保佑
(Left Side)
No. 5876 第5876號
42 Kamiyama Village, Kitakoma District, Yamanashi Prefecture 山梨縣北巨麻手郡神山村四拾貳番戶
Head of Household: Son Hei, Eldest Son, Commoner, Money Lending Business 戶主孫平長男平民金銭貸付業
Horiki Harushige 功力晴重
September 1888 (明治)貳拾壹年九月
In regard to the above-mentioned person proceeding to Busan, Inchon, and Keijo (Seoul) 右ハ釜山、仁川、京城
It is hereby requested that all relevant authorities ensure that the journey is conducted without any hindrance along the route and that necessary protection and assistance be provided. 赴クニ付通路故障ナク旅行セシメ且必要ノ保護扶 助ヲ與へラレン事ヲ其筋ノ諸官二希望ス
March 24, 1902 明治参拾五年参月廿四日
Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Empire of Japan, Senior Fourth Rank, Order of Merit, Baron Komura Jutaro 日本帝國外務大臣正四位勲等男爵小村壽太郎
Nagano Prefectural Office 長崎縣廳
Signature of bearer 所持人自署
