Order of the Rising Sun
| Order of the Rising Sun 旭日章 |
|
|---|---|
| Awarded by the Emperor of Japan |
|
| Type | Order |
| Awarded for | long and/or especially meritorious civil or military service |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Sovereign | His Imperial Majesty The Emperor |
| Grades | 1st through 8th Class (1875–2003) Since 2003: Grand Cordon Gold and Silver Star (Rays, Principal Grade) Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon (Cordon, Middle Grade) Gold Rays with Rosette (Cordon, Junior Grade) Gold and Silver Rays (Double Rays) Silver Rays (Single Ray) |
| Statistics | |
| Established | 10 April 1875 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Order of the Paulownia Flowers |
| Next (lower) | Order of the Sacred Treasure |
The Order of the Rising Sun (旭日章 Kyokujitsu-shō?) is a Japanese order, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji of Japan. The Order was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government, created on 10 April 1875 by decree of the Council of State. The badge features rays of sunlight from the rising sun. The design of the Rising Sun symbolizes energy as powerful as the rising sun in parallel with the "rising sun" concept of Japan ("Land of the Rising Sun").
The order is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in the following fields: international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment. Prior to the end of World War II, it was also awarded for exemplary military service. Beginning in 2003, the two lowest rankings (7th and 8th classes) for the Order of the Rising Sun became a separate order known as Order of the Paulownia Flowers, with the single rank of Grand Cordon.
While it is the third highest order bestowed by the Japanese government, it is however generally the highest ordinarily conferred order. The highest Japanese order, the Order of the Chrysanthemum, is reserved for heads of state or royalty, while the second highest order, the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, is mostly reserved for politicians.
The modern version of this honour has been conferred on non-Japanese recipients beginning in 1981 (although several foreigners were given the honor before World War II); and women were awarded the Order starting in 2003 (previously, women were awarded the Order of the Precious Crown). The awarding of the Order is administered by the Decoration Bureau of Office of the Prime Minister. It is awarded in the name of the Emperor and can be awarded posthumously.
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