Order of the Chrysanthemum

Also known as Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum

Japanese order

Key facts

Country: Japan
Awarded for: Exceptionally meritorious achievement/service
Status: Currently constituted
Founder: 27 December 1876 ; 149 years ago ( 1876-12-27 )
Sovereign: HM The Emperor
Grades: Grand Cordon with Collar, Grand Cordon
Next higher: None (highest)
Next lower: Order of the Paulownia Flowers , Order of the Precious Crown

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Image: Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum.png

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The Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (大勲位菊花章, Dai-kun'i kikka-shō) is Japan's highest order. The Grand Cordon of the Order was established in 1876 by Emperor Meiji of Japan; the Collar of the Order was added on 4 January 1888. Unlike European counterparts, the order may be conferred posthumously.

Apart from the Imperial Family, only seven Japanese citizens have ever been decorated with the collar in their lifetimes; the last such award was to former prime minister Saionji Kinmochi in 1928. Eight others have been posthumously decorated with the collar; the last such award was to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022. Today, only the reigning Emperor holds this dignity as sovereign of the order; however, exceptions are made for foreign heads of state, who can be awarded the collar in friendship.