Awards of
World War IIThe lowest order in the Japanese awards system is the Order of the Sacred Treasure, established on January 4, 1888, by decree of Emperor Meiji. Until 2003, the order existed in eight degrees; the two lower degrees have since been abolished.
The order was awarded to men, and after 1919, to women, for merits in both the military and civilian spheres. Citizens of other countries could also be awarded it for services to Japan, and it could also be awarded posthumously.
Each of the degrees of the award It was awarded to officials of varying ranks. High-ranking officials received the first degree of the order for 10 years of impeccable service, second-rank officials could qualify for the sixth degree after 12 years of impeccable service, and third-rank officials received the eighth degree for 18 years of service. Police officers, doctors, and teachers could also receive the eighth degree award after 20 years of impeccable service.
The award symbolizes two sacred treasures given by the sun goddess to the first emperor of Japan, Jimmu Tenno. One of them, the Yata Mirror, which is so sacred that even the emperor himself was forbidden to look into it, is installed in the center of the order. The second treasure, the Yasakani gems, are set in a necklace around a mirror.
The order itself is designed in the form of a Maltese cross, each arm consisting of five smaller arms covered in white enamel. The insignia of the two lower classes, 7-8, resembles the central portion of the higher awards, the mirror and necklace, in its design, but lacks the Maltese cross. The insignia of the 7th class is gilded, except for the "mirror" in the center; the 8th class is identical, but without the gilding. On the reverse of the award are four hieroglyphs in a square, translating to "Order of Merit Award."
The order's star resembles a medallion, but is superimposed on a double Maltese cross, one in gold and the other in silver, between whose eight rays are thin stripes covered in blue enamel. The star's diameter is 76 mm. For the first class award, the star is worn on the left chest; for the second class award, on the right.
The highest class award is worn on a ribbon over the right shoulder. The ribbon's width is 100 mm, and the diameter of the badge itself is 67 mm. The remaining classes of the Order of the Sacred Treasure have a 37 mm ribbon. Ladies wear the 3rd-8th classes of the order on a bow. Men wear the 2nd-3rd classes on a neck ribbon. The 4th-8th classes are worn on the left chest, with the ribbon folded into a triangle. Additionally, the 4th class ribbon is decorated with a rosette.
The 2nd and 3rd class badges have a diameter of 55 mm, the 4th and 5th classes have a diameter of 46 mm, the 6th class has a diameter of 40 mm, and the 7th and 8th classes have a diameter of 37 mm.