The Order of the Sacred Treasure (瑞宝章, Zuihō-shō?) is a Japanese Order, established on January 4, 1888 by Emperor Meiji of Japan as the Order of Meiji. Originally awarded in eight classes (from 8th to 1st, in ascending order of importance), since 2003 it has been awarded in six classes, the lowest two medals being abolished that year. It is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in research fields, business industries, healthcare, social work, state/local government fields or the improvement of life for handicapped/impaired persons. A European counterpart of the order would be the Order of the British Empire.
Originally a male-only decoration, the order has been made available to women since 1919; it is awarded for both civil and military merit, though of a lesser degree than that required for the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun. Unlike its European counterparts, the order may be conferred posthumously.
Read more about Order Of The Sacred Treasure: Classes, After The 2003 Reform, Selected Recipients, Gallery
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