Colonial Documents

• 陸軍憲兵軍曹勲七等野徳治 Army Military Police Sergeant Order Seventh Grade Tokuharu Nokuji
• 任朝鮮總督府警部 Assigned to the Police Department of the Governor-General’s Office of Korea
• 明治四十四年十月〹四日 Meiji 44 year, 10 month, 24 day (Oct. 24, 1911)

A common 1941 (昭和十六年三月十日) Imperial Japanese Army (IJA), Certificate of Commendation 表彰狀, dated Showa 16^th year, 3^rd month, 10^th 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.

• Certificate of Commendation 表彰状
• 565 Mikuni-cho, Higashiyodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 大阪府大阪市東淀川區三國町五六五
• Jisaku Takenaka 竹中 治作
• You are hereby commended for your contribution to the mobilization of military horses during the China Incident by breeding and managing horses qualified for military service. 右ハ軍馬タルノ資格アル馬ヲ飼養管理シ支那事變ニ當リ軍馬ノ徵發ニ寄與セルコトヲ玆ニ表彰ス
• Showa 16^th year, 3^rd month, 16^th day. (March 10, 1941 昭和十六年三月十日
• Yi Eun, Commander of the Osaka Division 大阪師團長 李王垠

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 5^th son of Emperor Kojong by one of his concubines, Imperial Consort Gwi-in of the Deoksu Jang clan (귀인 장씨; 1860–?). Yi Kang’s 9^th 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 29^th 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 31.5 x 41 cm (12.4 x 16.1 inches).

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

Approx. 22.5 x 30.5 (8.8 x 12 inches)

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.

(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

Approx. 23.5 x 36.7 (9.25 x 14.4 inches)

Japanese Red Cross Document

• Mr. Heitaro Uehara 上原平太郎氏
• You are hereby appointed as a Councilor of the Japanese Red Cross Society, Korea Headquarters. 日本赤十字社朝鮮本部評議員ヲ嘱託ス
• Showa 3^rd year, 3^rd month, 31^st day (March 31, 1928) 昭和三年三月三十一日
• Prince Kotohito, President of the Japanese Red Cross Society 日本赤十字社總裁載仁親王[印