Japanese Coin?
 

My aunt has this silver piece that I'm extremely curious about. Any information about it would be great.

I've been told it's Japanese but contains Chinese characters. I've also been told it mentions April 1st and something about a 25th anniversary.

The piece is 3 inches in diameter, about .25 inches thick, and weighs around 8.5 ounces. I've also been told it's real silver. Here are some photos...

Front - http://i34.tinypic.com/8wb3wz.jpg
Back - http://i36.tinypic.com/qy8dww.jpg
Markings on side - http://i36.tinypic.com/157i5hx.jpg

Thanks!

Fukushima city -wiki

The 25th municipal organization enforcement anniversary of Fukushima-shi
昭和16年(1941) 4月1日 (April 1)

Back
Area,Population,the number of houses,successive mayor

There is sideways a stamp of "Pure silver".

To add to siokan's explanation, it's a commemorative medal, not a coin as in "bills and coins".