Order of the Rising Sun

Order of the Rising Sun, Japanese order founded in 1875 by Emperor Meiji and awarded for exceptional civil or military merit. The order, which has a women’s counterpart called the Order of the Sacred Crown, was originally the Order of Merit. It consists of eight classes, and the badge awarded depends on the class level attained.

In some cases the badge comprises a multi-rayed white enamel star with a gold-rimmed cabochon garnet in the centre, all of which is suspended from a spray of three paulownia flowers and leaves. The badge for the seventh class has only the enamel paulownia flowers and leaves, while the one for the eighth class has the flowers and leaves in silver.