exclusive Japanese order, founded in 1888 by Emperor Meiji and awarded for outstanding civil or military merit. The order, awarded to males only, is seldom bestowed on anyone below the rank of admiral, general, or ambassador. Actually, this order, consisting of one class, is the highest grade of another Japanese order, the Order of the Rising Sun.

The badge, suspended from a green paulownia flower, consists of a white enamel cross between the arms of which are the green leaves and mauve flowers of the paulownia tree, incorporated into the imperial Japanese emblem. Superimposed on the cross is a red enamel sun with rays of white and gold. The centre medallion is a polished garnet. See also Rising Sun, Order of the.