Since the late 19th Century, the Government of Japan has issued six different types of Medals of Honor (褒章 hosho) to individuals for achievements in various fields. Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... There is still dispute as to whether Japan is a constitutional monarchy or a republic. ...

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 褒章 surrounded by cherry blossoms on the obverse; only the colors of the ribbon differ. December 7 is the 341st day (342nd on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1881 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... Washington, D.C. Tidal Basin showing cherry trees in flower Cherry tree blossoms A cherry is both a tree and its fleshy fruit, a type known as a drupe with a single hard pit enclosing the seed. ...

The Medals of Honor are awarded twice each year, on April 29 (the birthday of Showa Emperor) and November 3 (the birthday of Meiji Emperor). About 800 individuals receive these medals on each occasion. April 29 is the 119th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (120th in leap years). ... Hirohito (裕仁), the Shōwa Emperor (昭和天皇), (April 29, 1901 - January 7, 1989) reigned over Japan from 1926 to 1989. ... November 3 is the 307th day of the year (308th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 58 days remaining. ... Emperor Mutsuhito Mutsuhito (睦仁), the Meiji Emperor (明治天皇, literally Enlightened Rule Emperor) (3 November 1852–30 July 1912) was the 122nd Emperor of Japan. ...

Medal with 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 recepient ever. 2005 is a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar and is the current year. ...

Medal with Green Ribbon

First awarded in 1882. Originally awarded to "children, grandchildren, wives and servants for remarkable acts of piety". Changed social values after World War II had resulted in the conferrment of this medal being suspended from 1947 onwards; however in 2003 it was revived as a award to morally remarkable individuals who have actively taken part in serving the society.

Medal with Yellow Ribbon

First awarded in 1887; revived in 1955. Awarded to individuals who, through their diligence and perseverance while engaging in their professional activities, became public role models.

Medal with Purple Ribbon

First awarded in 1955. Awarded to individuals who have contributed to academic and artistic developments, improvements and accomplishments. It is also awarded to Olympic Games medallists. For months before the Olympic Games, runners relay the Olympic Flame from Olympia to the opening ceremony. ...

Medal with Blue Ribbon

First awarded in 1882. Awarded to individuals who have made significant achievements in the areas of public welfare or public service. A civil servant or public servant is a civilian career public-sector employee working for a government department or agency. ...

Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon

First awarded in 1919. Awarded to individuals who have made exceptionally generous financial contributions for the wellbeing of the public.

See also

• Order of the Chrysanthemum
• Order of the Rising Sun
• Order of the Precious Crown
• Order of the Golden Kite
• Order of the Sacred Treasures
• Order of Culture

The Grand Order of the Badge of the Chrysanthemums (大勳位菊花章), or simply the Order of the Chrysanthemum, is Japans highest order, established on January 4, 1888 by Emperor Meiji of Japan. ... Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun The Order of the Rising Sun or Kyokujitsu sho(旭日章) is a Japanese Order (decoration), established on August 10, 1871 by Emperor Meiji of Japan. ... The Order of the Precious Crown (宝冠章) is a Japanese Order (decoration), established on January 4, 1888 by Emperor Meiji of Japan. ... The Order of the Golden Kite (金鵄章) was a Japanese Order (decoration), established on February 12, 1889 by Emperor Meiji of Japan. ... The Order of the Sacred Treasures (瑞宝章) is a Japanese Order (decoration), established on January 4, 1888 by Emperor Meiji of Japan. ... The Order of Culture (文化勲章) is a Japanese Order (decoration), established on February 11, 1937. ...

External link

Decoration Bureau page