Order of the Chrysanthemum
Japanese order / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (大勲位菊花章, Dai-kun'i kikka-shō) is Japan's highest order. The Grand Cordon of the Order was established in 1876 by Emperor Meiji of Japan; the Collar of the Order was added on 4 January 1888. Unlike its European counterparts, the order may be conferred posthumously.
Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum 大勲位菊花章 Dai-kun'i kikka-shō | |
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Awarded by the Emperor of Japan | |
Country | Japan |
Awarded for | Exceptionally meritorious achievement/service |
Status | Currently constituted |
Founder | 27 December 1876; 147 years ago (1876-12-27) |
Sovereign | HM The Emperor |
Grades | Collar Grand Cordon |
Precedence | |
Next (higher) | None (highest) |
Next (lower) | Order of the Paulownia Flowers |
Ribbon of the Order |
Apart from the Imperial Family, only seven Japanese citizens have ever been decorated with the collar in their lifetimes; the last such award was to former Prime Minister Saionji Kinmochi in 1928. Eight others have been posthumously decorated with the collar; the last such award was to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022.[1] Today, only the reigning Emperor holds this dignity as sovereign of the order; however, exceptions are made for foreign heads of state, who can be awarded the collar in friendship.
The grand cordon is the highest possible honour a Japanese citizen can be awarded during his or her lifetime. Aside from members of the Imperial Family, 53 Japanese citizens have been decorated with the grand cordon; of these, only 23 were living at the time of receipt.