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Medals of Honor (Japan)
Encyclopedia
Since the late 19th Century, the Government of Japan
has issued six different types of to individuals for achievements in various fields.
The Medals of Honor were established on December 7, 1881, and were first awarded the following year. Several expansions and amendments have been made since then. The medal design for all six types are the same, bearing the words on a gilt
central disc surrounded by a silver ring of cherry blossoms on the obverse; only the colors of the ribbon differ.
The Medals of Honor are awarded twice each year, on April 29 (the birthday of the Shōwa Emperor) and November 3 (the birthday of the Meiji Emperor).
; and to individuals who, through their diligence and perseverance while engaging in their professional activities, became public role models".
Changed social values after World War II had resulted in the conferment of this medal being suspended after 1950; since 1955 it has been replaced to some extent by the revived Medal with Yellow Ribbon (see below). However in 2003 the Medal with Green Ribbon was revived as an award to morally remarkable individuals who have actively taken part in serving the society.
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Government of Japan
The government of Japan is a constitutional monarchy where the power of the Emperor is very limited. As a ceremonial figurehead, he is defined by the 1947 constitution as "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people". Power is held chiefly by the Prime Minister of Japan and other elected...
has issued six different types of to individuals for achievements in various fields.
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The Medals of Honor were established on December 7, 1881, and were first awarded the following year. Several expansions and amendments have been made since then. The medal design for all six types are the same, bearing the words on a gilt
Gilding
The term gilding covers a number of decorative techniques for applying fine gold leaf or powder to solid surfaces such as wood, stone, or metal to give a thin coating of gold. A gilded object is described as "gilt"...
central disc surrounded by a silver ring of cherry blossoms on the obverse; only the colors of the ribbon differ.
The Medals of Honor are awarded twice each year, on April 29 (the birthday of the Shōwa Emperor) and November 3 (the birthday of the Meiji Emperor).
Types
Red ribbon
First awarded in 1882. Awarded to individuals who have risked their own lives to save the lives of others. In 2005 a 15-year-old youth was awarded the medal for saving lives from a submerged motor vehicle, becoming the medal's youngest recipient ever.Green ribbon
First awarded in 1882. Originally awarded "to children, grandchildren, wives and servants for remarkable acts of pietyFilial piety
In Confucian ideals, filial piety is one of the virtues to be held above all else: a respect for the parents and ancestors. The Confucian classic Xiao Jing or Classic of Xiào, thought to be written around 470 BCE, has historically been the authoritative source on the Confucian tenet of xiào /...
; and to individuals who, through their diligence and perseverance while engaging in their professional activities, became public role models".
Changed social values after World War II had resulted in the conferment of this medal being suspended after 1950; since 1955 it has been replaced to some extent by the revived Medal with Yellow Ribbon (see below). However in 2003 the Medal with Green Ribbon was revived as an award to morally remarkable individuals who have actively taken part in serving the society.
Yellow ribbon
First awarded in 1887 (later abolished); revived in 1955. Awarded to individuals who, through their diligence and perseverance while engaging in their professional activities, became public role models.Purple ribbon
First awarded in 1955. Awarded to individuals who have contributed to academic and artistic developments, improvements and accomplishments.Blue ribbon
First awarded in 1882. Awarded to individuals who have made significant achievements in the areas of public welfare or public serviceCivil service
The term civil service has two distinct meanings:* A branch of governmental service in which individuals are employed on the basis of professional merit as proven by competitive examinations....
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Dark blue ribbon
First awarded in 1919. Awarded to individuals who have made exceptionally generous financial contributions for the well being of the public.Purple
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Blue
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External links
- Japan, Cabinet Office: Decorations and Medals
- Decoration Bureau: Medals of Honour
- Japan MintJapan MintThe is an Incorporated Administrative Agency of the Japanese government. This agency has its Head office in Osaka with branches in Tokyo and Hiroshima.-History:...
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