Order of the Rising Sun (Japan) — Military Decorations

Order of the Rising Sun (Japan)

Order of the Rising Sun (Japan)

Order of the Rising Sun (Japan) Medal and Ribbon Design Images

Design of the Order of the Rising Sun (Japan)

The badge for the Grand Cordon to Sixth Classes is an eight-pointed badge bearing a central red enamelled sun disc, with gilt points (1st-4th Classes), with four gilt and four silver points (5th Class), or with silver points (6th Class); each point comprises three white enamelled rays. The badge for the Seventh and Eighth Classes consisted of a silver medal in the shape of three paulownia leaves, enamelled for the 7th Class and plain for the 8th Class.

What is the Order of the Rising Sun (Japan) Decoration?

The Orders of the Rising Sun was established in 1875 as Japan?s first honor system modeled by the system that the Europeans used in the 19th century. The main features of the awards are rays of sunlight radiating from the sun, symbolizing energy that is as powerful as the rising sun. The Order was awarded in nine classes until 2003. Since then, it has been awarded in six classes (Ascending Ranks); Silver Rays Award (Single Ray), Gold and Silver Rays Award (Double-Rays), Gold Rays with Rosette Award (Cordon-Junior Grade), Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon Award (Cordon - Middle Grade), Gold and Silver Star Award (Rays - Principal Grade), and the Grand Cordon. The Seventh and Eight class of the Order award, which consisted of a silver medal in the shape of three paulownia leaves, were abolished in 2003.However, they are replaced by the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, a single class order that ranks above the Order of the Rising Sun. As of 2003, the order is awarded to those who have made distinguished contributions and achievements to Japan which includes in the fields of promoting Japanese culture, international relations, advancements in expertise, preservation of the environment, and welfare development. In addition, as of 2003, women are also awarded the Order of the Rising Sun (Previously, women were awarded the Order of Precious Crown). The Orders of the Rising Sun award are given in the name of the Emperor and can be awarded posthumously. Conventionally, a diploma or certification is accompanied with the insignia of the order. In some rare instances, the personal signature of the Japanese Emperor will be added with the award itself. In 2005, US Navy Admiral Dennis C. Blair, who was the Commander for the U.S Pacific Command (USPACOM), was presented with the badge and ribbon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

The United States military sorts decorations into categories called Classes and Types. The Order of the Rising Sun (Japan) medal is classified as a International Award of the type International Senior Military Award.

How Do You Earn the Order of the Rising Sun (Japan)?

The Order of the Rising Sun awards were given for exemplary military services prior to World War II. As of 2003, the Order of the Rising Sun is awarded to those who have made distinguished contributions to Japan. It can be awarded to Japanese as well as non-Japanese nationals.

Displaying the Order of the Rising Sun (Japan)

The Order of Precedence of the Order of the Rising Sun (Japan) is 166, and this precedence is used when placing the associated service ribbon on your uniform ribbon rack. You can see a full list of decorations in the order of precedence on the Decorations homepage.

The Grand Cordon: Badge is suspended from three-enamelled paulownia leaves on a ribbon in white with red border stripes, worn as a sash from the right shoulder. 2nd - 3rd Class Award: Badge is worn as a necklet. 4th - 6th Class: Badge worn on the left chest (Only 4th class is included with a rosette)

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