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Order of the Rising Sun facts for kids

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For the Indian chivalric order, see Most Noble Order of the Rising Sun . For the early 20th century, "World Teacher"–related organization, see Order of the Star in the East#Order of the Rising Sun.
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Order of the Rising Sun
旭日章
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.png
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (1st class)
Awarded by the Emperor of Japan
Type Order
Founded 10 April 1875
Awarded for Meritorious service to the state
Status Currently constituted
Sovereign HM 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)
Precedence
Next (higher) Order of the Paulownia Flowers
Equivalent Order of the Sacred Treasure
Order of the Precious Crown
Order of Culture
JPN Kyokujitsu-sho blank BAR.svg

The Order of the Rising Sun (旭日章, Kyokujitsu-shō) is a special award from Japan, given to people who have done great things for the country. It was created on April 10, 1875, by Emperor Meiji and was the very first national award given by the Japanese government.

The medal's design shows rays of sunlight coming from a rising sun. This is a powerful symbol for Japan, which is often called the "Land of the Rising Sun." The design represents energy and power, just like the sun itself.

This award is given to people who have made important contributions in many areas, such as promoting culture, science, or good relationships between Japan and other countries. It can be given to people from Japan or from other nations. The award is given in the name of the Emperor of Japan.

A Medal with a Long History

The Order of the Rising Sun has been around for a long time. For many years, it was only given to men. In 2003, the rules were updated, and since then, women can also receive this honor.

Before World War II, the award was also given for outstanding military service. Today, it is mainly for achievements in non-military fields.

The Order is one of the highest honors given by the Japanese government. While the Order of the Chrysanthemum is the highest, it is usually only for kings, queens, or heads of state. The Order of the Rising Sun is the highest award that is commonly given to people for their amazing work.

Who Can Receive the Award?

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US Navy Admiral Dennis C. Blair received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in 2002 for helping to improve international relations.

The Order of the Rising Sun is awarded to people who have made a positive difference in the world. This can include:

  • Helping to build good relationships between countries.
  • Promoting Japanese culture or sports.
  • Making important discoveries in science and technology.
  • Improving society or protecting the environment.
  • Making great contributions to business or industry.
  • Working as a lawyer, journalist, or in other public services that help people.

Very important leaders, like a country's Prime Minister or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, can receive the highest level of the award for their service.

The Different Levels of the Award

The Order of the Rising Sun has six different levels, or classes. Each class has its own unique medal and ribbon. The highest class is the "Grand Cordon," and the levels go down from there.

When someone receives the award, they also get a special certificate. Sometimes, the Emperor of Japan will even sign the certificate himself.

Here is an example of what a certificate from 1929 said:

By the grace of Heaven, Emperor of Japan, seated on the throne occupied by the same dynasty from time immemorial,

We confer the Second Class of the Imperial Order of Meiji upon Henry Waters Taft, a citizen of the United States of America and a director of the Japan Society of New York, and invest him with the insignia of the same class of the Order of the Double Rays of the Rising Sun, in expression of the good will which we entertain towards him.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hand and caused the Grand Seal of State to be affixed at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo, this thirteenth day of the fifth month of the fourth year of Shōwa, corresponding to the 2,589th year from the accession to the throne of Emperor Jimmu."

What the Medals Look Like

The medals for the Order of the Rising Sun are very beautiful.

  • The badge for most classes is an eight-pointed medal with a red circle in the middle, representing the sun. White-enameled rays spread out from the center. The badge hangs from a white ribbon with red stripes on the edges.
  • The star is a special silver medal worn on the chest by those who receive the highest two classes. It has eight points and looks similar to the badge.

The way the medal is worn depends on the class. The highest class is worn on a sash over the shoulder, while others are worn around the neck or on the chest.

  • Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun

    Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (1st class)

  • The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star

    The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star (2nd class)

  • The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon

    The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon (3rd class)

  • The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette

    The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette (4th class)

  • The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays

    The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays (5th class)

  • The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays

    The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays (6th class)

Famous People Who Received the Award

Over the years, many famous people from around the world have been honored with the Order of the Rising Sun. Here are a few examples.

Grand Cordon (1st Class)

  • Bill Gates (2020) - Co-founder of Microsoft, for his work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
  • John Howard (2013) - A former Prime Minister of Australia.
  • Nancy Pelosi (2015) - An important American politician.
  • Soichiro Honda (1991) - The founder of the Honda Motor Company.
  • Douglas MacArthur (1960) - An American general who played a key role after World War II.
  • Caroline Kennedy (2021) - A former U.S. Ambassador to Japan.

Gold and Silver Star (2nd Class)

  • Momofuku Ando (2002) - The inventor of instant noodles.
  • Kazuo Ishiguro (2018) - A famous author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
  • Thomas Blake Glover (1908) - A Scottish merchant who helped modernize Japan in the 1800s.
  • Donald Keene (1973) - A well-known American scholar of Japanese literature.

Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon (3rd Class)

  • Clint Eastwood (2009) - A famous American actor and director.
  • Gustave Eiffel - The engineer who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
  • Kanō Jigorō - The founder of judo.
  • Moto Hagio (2022) - A very influential manga artist.

Gold Rays with Rosette (4th Class)

  • Hank Aaron (2016) - A legendary American baseball player.
  • George Takei (2004) - An actor famous for his role in Star Trek.
  • Leiji Matsumoto (2010) - A creator of famous anime and manga series.
  • Olivia Newton-John (2021) - A popular singer and actress.
  • The Ventures (2010) - An American rock band that is very popular in Japan.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Orden del Sol Naciente para niños

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