Decorations and Medals

Awards, in the form of decorations and medals of honor, are bestowed upon individuals of merit, in recognition of their national or public services, and in honor of their distinguished accomplishments in respective areas of society. The Biannual Decoration Ceremonies, Medals of Honor and Order of Culture are high-profile awards which receive wide media coverage.
The Decoration Bureau of the Cabinet Office is responsible for administrative duties pertaining to the conferral of awards, from conducting studies and research on the awards system to planning and selecting recipients for the Biannual Decoration Ceremonies and other awards.

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Decorations--- Decorations are bestowed upon individuals in recognition of their services to the nation or public

1. Biannual Decoration Ceremonies
   

   Decorations are awarded to commendable persons over the age of 70, and to individuals over the age of 55, recognized for their diligence in areas away from the public eye.
   Held twice a year on April 29 and November 3, approximately 4,000 decorations are conferred at each ceremony.
   
   

2. Conferment for person with dangerous occupations
   

   In addition to the Biannual Decoration Ceremonies, decorations are conferred on police officers, Self-Defense Force officers and other persons in high-risk professions over the age of 55, in recognition of their services. Held twice a year on April 29 and November 3, approximately 3,600 decorations are conferred at each ceremony.
   
   

3. Decoration Ceremonies for the Elderly
   

   Meritorious individuals who have not received honors in the Biannual Decoration Ceremonies are conferred decorations at the age of 88.
   
   

4. Posthumous Decoration Ceremonies
   

   Aside from the Biannual Decoration Ceremonies, decorations are conferred posthumously to commendable individuals when the occasion arises.
   
   

5. Decoration Ceremonies for Foreigners
   

   Two types of decorations are awarded to foreigners; ceremonial decorations presented to state guests upon arrival or to diplomats leaving office, and decorations conferred on foreigners who have made notable contributions to enhance bilateral relations.
   The latter is conferred concurrently with the Biannual Decoration Ceremonies, or upon arrival or departure.
   
   

6. Order of Culture
   

   This order is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in developing the Japanese culture. An awards ceremony is held on Culture Day, November 3, approximately five orders are presented annually.
   
   

   
   

   Orders of the Chrysanthemum	Order of the Paulownia Flowers	Orders of the Rising Sun	Orders of the Sacred Treasure	Order of Culture	Orders of the Precious Crown

Medals of Honor--- In ceremonies held concurrently with the Biannual Decoration Ceremonies or held when the occasion arises, these medals are bestowed upon individuals who have made outstanding achievements in their respective fields of society.

Medal with Red Ribbon


to individuals who have risked their own lives to save others



Medal with Green Ribbon


to morally remarkable individuals who have actively taken part in serving society



Medal with Yellow Ribbon


to individuals who, through their diligence and perseverance, became public role models



Medal with Purple Ribbon


to individuals who have contributed to academic and artistic developments, improvements and accomplishments



Medal with Blue Ribbon


to individuals who have made prosperous efforts in the areas of public welfare and education



Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon


to individuals who have made exceptionally generous financial contributions for the good of the public






Medal with Red Ribbon	Medal with Green Ribbon	Medal with Yellow Ribbon	Medal with Purple Ribbon	Medal with Blue Ribbon	Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon

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