The Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (大勲位菊花章, Dai-kun'i kikka-shō) is Japan's highest order. The Grand Cordon of the Order was established in 1876 by Emperor Meiji of Japan; the Collar of the Order was added on 4 January 1888. Unlike its European counterparts, the order may be conferred posthumously.
Apart from the Imperial Family, only seven Japanese citizens have ever been decorated with the collar in their lifetimes; the last such award was to former Prime MinisterSaionji Kinmochi in 1928. Eight others have been posthumously decorated with the collar; the last such award was to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022.[1] Today, only the reigning Emperor holds this dignity as sovereign of the order; however, exceptions are made for foreign heads of state, who can be awarded the collar in friendship.
The grand cordon is the highest possible honour a Japanese citizen can be awarded during his or her lifetime. Aside from members of the Imperial Family, 53 Japanese citizens have been decorated with the grand cordon; of these, only 23 were living at the time of receipt.
Insignia
The collar of the order is made of gold, and features the kanji for "Meiji", in classic form, indicating the era of the order's establishment. It is decorated with gold chrysanthemum blossoms and green-enamelled leaves.
The sash of the grand cordon of the order is red with dark blue border stripes. It is worn on the right shoulder.
The star of the order is similar to the badge, but in silver, without the chrysanthemum suspension, and with an eight-pointed gilt medallion (with white-enamelled rays and red-enamelled sun disc) placed at the centre. It is worn on the left chest.
The badge of the order is a four-pointed gilt badge with white-enamelled rays; the centre bears a red enamelled sun disc. On each of the four corners of the badge is a yellow-enamelled chrysanthemum blossom with green-enamelled chrysanthemum leaves. The badge is suspended on a yellow-enamelled chrysanthemum, either on the collar or on the grand cordon.
Ribbon bars
Collar
Grand Cordon
Grades
Name and image
Enactment date
Purpose of the award
大勲位菊花章頸飾 Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum
4 January 1888
It is said to be "a special gift for those decorated with the Supreme Order."[2][a]
大勲位菊花大綬章 Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum
badge (top), star (bottom right), rosette (bottom left)
^すなわち、大勲位菊花大綬章受章者であることが授与の条件である。(In other words, being a recipient of the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum is a prerequisite for the award.)
^Article 2.1, Imperial Ordinance No. 1 of Meiji 21st (1881) (Order of the Precious Crown and Collar of the Supreme Chrysanthemum) (明治21年勅令第1号(宝冠章及大勲位菊花章頸飾ニ関スル件)2条1項, Meiji 21-nen Chokurei dai-1-go (Hōkanshō oyobi dai-kun’i kikka-shō keishoku ni kansuru ken) 2-jō 1-kō)
^勲章の授与基準、2003年(平成15年)5月20日閣議決定 [Criteria for awarding medals, Cabinet decision, as of 20 May 2003 (Heisei 15th year)] (PDF). 20 May 2003. Archived(PDF) from the original on 5 November 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
^Order awarded 26 May 1994, mentioned in his biography in : The official publication(PDF). the Belgian Senate. Archived(PDF) from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2011.
^During the visit of Prince Komatsu Akihito to the UK in June 1902 to attend his coronation – "Court Circular". The Times. No. 36794. London. 14 June 1902. p. 12.
^Honor awarded 1989 – Weisman, Stephen (24 October 1989). "Reagan Given Top Award by Japanese". New York Times. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2017.
^刑部, 芳則; Osakabe, Yoshinori (November 2017). "明治時代の勲章外交儀礼 (特集 近代の皇室制度 : その運用と課題)" [The Ritual of Decoration Diplomacy in the Meiji Era (Featured : Modern Imperial household system, its implication and challenges)] (pdf). Journal for the Meiji Seitoku Kinen Gakkai (54). Meiji Seitoku Kinen Gakkai (明治聖徳記念学会): 139–171. ISSN0916-0655. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2021.; (明治聖徳記念学会紀要)
Peterson, James W., Barry C. Weaver and Michael A. Quigley. (2001). Orders and Medals of Japan and Associated States. San Ramon, California: Orders and Medals Society of America. ISBN978-1-890-97409-1; OCLC45437720.