Order of the Rising Sun facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Order of the Rising Sun 旭日章
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

The Order of the Rising Sun (旭日章, Kyokujitsu-shō) is a special Japanese award. It was created in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. This award was the first national honor given by the Japanese government. It was officially started on April 10, 1875.

The award's design shows rays of sunlight coming from the rising sun. This design symbolizes strong energy, just like the rising sun. It also connects to Japan's nickname, "Land of the Rising Sun."

The Order of the Rising Sun is given to people who have done great things for Japan. This includes many different areas, but not military service anymore. Before World War II, it was also given for excellent military service. Today, members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces receive a different award, the Order of the Sacred Treasure, for their long public service.

In 2003, some changes were made to the Order. The lowest two levels (7th and 8th Class) were removed. Also, the highest part of the 1st Class became a separate, even higher award called the Order of the Paulownia Flowers.

Before 2003, the Order of the Rising Sun was only for men. There was a similar award, the Order of the Precious Crown, just for women. Since 2003, the Order of the Rising Sun can be given to both men and women. The Order of the Precious Crown is now mostly given to female members of Japan's royal family or foreign royal families for special diplomatic events.

The Order of the Rising Sun is usually the highest award given to regular people in Japan. The very highest Japanese award, the Order of the Chrysanthemum, is usually for kings, queens, or heads of countries. The second highest, the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, is mostly for important politicians.

Since 1981, people from other countries can also receive this honor. The awards are managed by the Decoration Bureau of the Cabinet Office. This office is led by the Japanese Prime Minister. The award is given in the name of the Emperor. It can even be given to someone after they have passed away.

In 2003, the numbers used to describe the different levels of the award were removed from their official names. So, terms like "First Class" are not used officially anymore.

What the Award is For

US Navy Admiral Dennis C. Blair (2002). He received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun (1st class) for helping make the world more stable.

The Order of the Rising Sun is given to people who have helped Japan in many ways. This includes:

• Helping the world become more stable and developed.
• Making sure people pay their taxes correctly.
• Improving school education or learning for everyone.
• Helping culture or sports grow.
• Advancing science and technology.
• Making social welfare better for people.
• Improving public health.
• Making workplaces better for workers.
• Protecting the environment.
• People in business (like farming, fishing, trade, industry) who help the economy and public good.
• Lawyers, accountants, and others who work for the public good.
• People in news, broadcasting, or reporting who help the public.
• People in public services like electricity, gas, or transport who improve public life.
• Anyone else who has done great things for the public good.

There are also specific rules for government officials. For example, the highest level (Grand Cordon) is given to people who have been outstanding Prime Ministers or Speakers of the House.

Different Levels of the Award

Until 2003, there were nine levels of the Order. After 2003, the highest level became a separate award. The two lowest levels were removed. Now, there are six levels. Each award comes with a special certificate. Sometimes, the Emperor himself would sign this certificate.

The star for the highest levels (Grand Cordon and Second Class) is a silver star with eight points. Each point has three silver rays. The center looks just like the main badge. It is worn on the left side of the chest for the Grand Cordon and on the right for the 2nd Class.

The badge for the Grand Cordon down to the Sixth Class has eight points. It has a red sun in the middle. The points are gold for the higher levels and silver for the lower ones. Each point has three white rays. The badge hangs from three paulownia leaves on a white ribbon with red edges. It is worn differently depending on the level:

• Grand Cordon: Worn as a sash over the right shoulder.
• 2nd and 3rd Classes: Worn around the neck.
• 4th to 6th Classes: Worn on the left side of the chest (the 4th Class has a special rosette).

The 7th and 8th Class badges were silver medals shaped like three paulownia leaves. These levels were removed in 2003. They were replaced by the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, which is now a higher award.

Notable People Who Received the Award

1st Class, Grand Cordon

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2nd Class, Gold and Silver Star

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3rd Class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon

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4th Class, Gold Rays with Rosette

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5th Class, Gold and Silver Rays

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6th Class, Silver Rays

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• Fadi Aoun / Lebanon (2022)
• Henry Hajimu Fujii (1886–1976), 1971
• Kuniichi Iwata (Specialist) (1919–2014), 1995
• Bolesław Orliński (1899–1992), 1926
• Fudeko Reekie, 2013
• Shigetaka Sasaki (1903–1993), 1986
• John Wilson (Captain) (1851–1899), 1895
• Yun Chi-sung (1875–1936), 1905

Class Unknown

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Images for kids

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  Separated into higher order in 2003. (Upper half of the 1st Class before 2003)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  7th Class (Abolished in 2003)

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  8th Class (Abolished in 2003)

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  7th Class ribbon bar (Abolished in 2003)

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  8th Class ribbon bar (Abolished in 2003)

See Also

In Spanish: Orden del Sol Naciente para niños

• Order of merit: A list of awards from different countries.
• Similar awards from other countries:
  • Order of Civil Merit (Korea) (South Korea)
  • Order of Chula Chom Klao and Order of the White Elephant (Thailand)
  • Order of St. Michael and St. George (United Kingdom)
  • Legion of Honour (France)
  • Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Germany)
  • Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" (Russia)
  • Order of Isabella the Catholic (Spain)
  • Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Italy)
  • Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria (Austria)
  • Order of Prince Henry (Portugal)