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 its European counterparts, the order may be conferred posthumously.
The following two grades can be awarded:
- Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum
- Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum
Apart from the Imperial Family, only six 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 Yasuhiro Nakasone in 2019, as of the end of 2020. 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.
The grand cordon is the highest possible honour a Japanese citizen can be awarded during his or her lifetime. Aside from members of the Imperial Family, 44 Japanese citizens have been decorated with the grand cordon; of these, only 23 were living at the time of receipt.
Name | Date of birth | Date of death | Awards | |
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Mussolini, Benito Amilcare Andrea | 29-07-1883 | 28-04-1945 | more | |
Mountbatten, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh | 10-06-1921 | 09-04-2021 | more |