Japanese honors system

The Japanese honors system originated in the 1870s, shortly after the Meiji revolution, and was modeled on European honors systems. The first order, the Imperial Order of Meiji was established in 1875, and was later renamed as the Order of the Rising Sun.^[1]

Current Orders

• Order of the Chrysanthemum-Established in 1876 as the premier order of Japan; originally in one class (Grand Cordon) and expanded to two classes (Collar; Grand Cordon) in 1888.^[2]
  • Collar-The highest possible honor that may be conferred. The Collar is only worn by the reigning Emperor, and is normally only awarded to foreign monarchs as a courtesy. Before 1947, the Collar was also conferred upon extremely eminent Cabinet ministers, senior members of the Imperial family and certain senior military officers of the rank of Marshal.
  • Grand Cordon-The highest honor which may be awarded to a non-royal. Typically conferred upon royals of the Imperial House of Japan, foreign royalty who are not reigning monarchs, foreign non-royal Heads of State, Prime Ministers, and rarely, eminent statesmen, diplomats and scholars. Until 1947, the Grand Cordon was often conferred upon eminent military officers of the rank of Marshal. Until 2001, it was also commonly awarded to Japanese Prime Ministers; today, Yasuhiro Nakasone is the only living Prime Minister and Japanese subject to hold the Grand Cordon.

• Order of the Paulownia Flowers-Established in 1888 as a Special Grand Cordon to the Order of the Rising Sun, but made a separate order in 2003. Awarded in a single class (Grand Cordon); typically awarded to senior statesmen, politicians and diplomats. Until 1947 also awarded to distinguished military officers of the rank of General or higher, or its equivalents.^[3]
• Order of the Rising Sun-Established in 1875 as Japan's first order. Awarded in nine classes prior to 2003:^[4]
  • 1st Class: Grand Cordon
  • 2nd Class: Gold and Silver Star
  • 3rd Class: Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
  • 4th Class: Gold Rays with Rosette
  • 5th Class: Gold and Silver Rays
  • 6th Class: Silver Rays

The first class of the order is typically awarded to foreign heads of state, chairpersons of prominent international organizations and leading politicians, business leaders and diplomats. The second class is typically conferred upon prominent academics, Nobel laureates and military officers. The third through sixth classes are ordinarily conferred upon individuals who have made significant contributions to Japan or its culture in varying degrees. The 7th and 8th classes of the Order were abolished in 2003, and the Special First Class of the Order was renamed the Order of the Paulownia Flowers.

• Order of the Precious Crown-Established in 1888 in five classes; expanded to seven classes in 1896. The 7th class of the order was abolished sometime after the Second World War. Initially awarded to select foreigners who were not eligible for a higher honor, but subsequently only awarded to women. From 2003, with the opening of the Order of the Rising Sun to Japanese women, the order has only been awarded to foreign females.
  • 1st Class: Grand Cordon
  • 2nd Class: Peony Class
  • 3rd Class: Butterfly Class
  • 4th Class: Wisteria Class
  • 5th Class: Apricot Class
  • 6th Class: Ripple Class

• Order of the Sacred Treasure-Established in 1888 as the Imperial Order of Meiji in eight classes. Awarded for long and meritorious service and the lowest ranking of the Japanese orders. The 7th and 8th classes were abolished in 2003.
  • 1st Class: Grand Cordon
  • 2nd Class: Gold and Silver Star
  • 3rd Class: Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
  • 4th Class: Gold Rays with Rosette
  • 5th Class: Gold and Silver Rays
  • 6th Class: Silver Rays

The Order is typically awarded to middle-grade administrators and diplomats, prominent figures in international affairs, leading businessmen, senior politicians, and scholars and artisans who have made contributions to Japan or have furthered its culture.

• Order of Culture-Established in 1937 as a single-class order of merit to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to Japanese culture.

• Medals of Honor-Established in 1881 to honor individuals who have made distinguished achievements in their respective fields of society.
  • Medal with Red Ribbon-to individuals who have risked their own lives to save others
  • Medal with Green Ribbon-to morally remarkable individuals who have actively taken part in serving society
  • Medal with Yellow Ribbon-to individuals who, through their diligence and perseverance, became public role models
  • Medal with Purple Ribbon-to individuals who have contributed to academic and artistic developments, improvements and accomplishments
  • Medal with Blue Ribbon-to individuals who have made prosperous efforts in the areas of public welfare and education
  • Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon-to individuals who have made exceptionally generous financial contributions for the good of the public

References