Reference

Understanding Japanese honours

Japan’s system of orders and decorations, headed by the Emperor. Several Tunisians and Tunisian organisations have been honoured within it.

Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum

Japan's highest order, reserved for monarchs, heads of state and the Imperial Family.

Classes, highest to lowest

  1. Collar
  2. Grand Cordon

Order of the Paulownia Flowers

Ordinarily the highest regularly awarded honour (heads of government, senior statesmen).

Classes, highest to lowest

  1. Grand Cordon

Order of the Rising Sun

Japan's oldest order (1875), for meritorious service to the state or the public. Several Tunisians have received it.

Classes, highest to lowest

  1. Grand Cordon
  2. Gold and Silver Star
  3. Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
  4. Gold Rays with Rosette
  5. Gold and Silver Rays
  6. Silver Rays

Order of the Sacred Treasure

Awarded for long-term contributions, notably to civil servants, scholars and teachers.

Classes, highest to lowest

  1. Grand Cordon
  2. Gold and Silver Star
  3. Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
  4. Gold Rays with Rosette
  5. Gold and Silver Rays
  6. Silver Rays

Order of Culture

For outstanding contributions to culture; Japanese Nobel laureates receive it.

Classes, highest to lowest

  1. Single class

Order of the Precious Crown

Since 2003, awarded only to foreign women.

Classes, highest to lowest

  1. Grand Cordon
  2. Peony
  3. Butterfly
  4. Wisteria
  5. Apricot
  6. Ripple

Medals of Honour

Six ribbon medals (1881): red (lifesaving), green (voluntary social work), yellow (public role models), purple (academic or artistic development), blue (public interest) and dark blue (generous donations).

Foreign Minister’s Commendation

Not an order but a distinction awarded to individuals and groups who have significantly contributed to friendship between Japan and other countries. Several Tunisians and Tunisian associations have received it.

Wikipedia article ↗← Back to awards

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Wikipedia.