Awards for “The Last Kamikaze. Awards of fascist Japan Japanese orders and medals of the Second World War

The Japanese award system is relatively young: the first order of Japan was established in 1866, and the first medal in 1874. It was formed according to the European model, preserving its originality and uniqueness.

The process of forming the award system began after the Meiji Revolution - under this name the political, economic and military reforms of 1868-1889 entered the history of the state, turning a backward state into one of the world leaders. The strengthening of economic power and international authority was facilitated by the abandonment of the samurai governance scheme with the transition to direct imperial rule.

History and modernity

• historical;
• modern.

The first group includes military awards established during the empire to reward soldiers and officers who participated in military operations and battles. Badges of honor existed until Japan's defeat in World War II in September 1945, after which they were abolished.

The creation of modern military analogues is impossible, since Art. Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution stipulates that the Japanese forever “renounce war as the sovereign right of the nation.”

Modern Japanese medals form a single series of 6 civilian awards. They are awarded for outstanding services and achievements in science, culture, economics, sports and other peaceful fields.

Historical military awards

For participation in the Taiwan campaign (1874)

In May-June 1874, the imperial army took part in a military operation on the island of Taiwan. This was necessary to give the appearance of legality to the annexation of the island territory captured two years earlier.

On April 10, 1875, a medal was established, which was originally called a token for a military campaign. It became the first military award in Japan. It was made of silver, on the front side there were four hieroglyphs framed by branches. On the reverse side is the year.

For the Sino-Japanese War (1894-95)

The participants in this military conflict pursued a specific goal - control over Korea and further advancement into the lands of China and Manchuria. Japanese troops managed to capture Korea and some territories of China.

On October 9, 1895, this award badge was established. It was minted in bronze at the Osaka Mint - a total of 300 thousand copies. The medallion is of an unusual shape, tapering at the top.

The obverse features crossed army and navy flags, with a chrysanthemum above them. On the reverse there is the date and the inscription “Military Medal”.

For the suppression of the Boxer Rebellion (1900)

The medal was established on April 21, 1901. It was awarded to military personnel and diplomats in Beijing, to individuals who contributed to the suppression of the protest uprising in China while on Japanese territory.

The badge of honor was minted from bronze, with a chrysanthemum and the Khoo bird depicted on its front. On the reverse side is the inscription “Great Empire of Japan, 33rd Meiji Year.”

For participation in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05)

In this military conflict, Russian troops were defeated. The Japanese surrounded Port Arthur - the siege lasted more than 4 months, the garrison of the fortress was forced to surrender. Then enemy artillery sank the remnants of the Russian squadron. In the decisive battle, the Russian troops retreated.

The award for participants in this war was established on March 31, 1906. Light bronze was used for its manufacture. The medallion depicts army and naval flags, a chrysanthemum, a paulownia flower, laurel branches, palm trees, and a Japanese shield.

For participation in the world war

These insignia were awarded to participants in the First World War, in which the Japanese army fought on the side of the Entente. It is curious that local peasants and residents of small villages were not aware of the state’s participation in the war.

There were two awards - the design of both was almost the same, the only difference being the different depth of the relief. The design uses the same elements as in the award for the Russo-Japanese War.

For the 1914-15 campaign

This medal was founded on November 6, 1915 - it was awarded to participants in the war against Germany who captured islands in the Pacific Ocean that belonged to Germany and its other colonies. Dark bronze was used for minting. The obverse and reverse are decorated with hieroglyphs.

For the 1914-20 campaign

This government badge was awarded to Japanese army personnel who took part in:

• in the battles of 1917-18 in the Mediterranean;
• in the 1917 intervention in Siberia;
• during the occupation of Vladivostok, which lasted until 1922.

For all of these events there was a single wording - “For the military campaign of 3-9 years of the Taisho era.”

Victory Medal

This is a common award for the Entente countries, which appeared on the initiative of the French Marshal Foch, but the Japanese version used a different image. This is due to the fact that a victorious figure with wings had no meaning for the Japanese. It was replaced by an image of a legendary deity armed with a sword. On the reverse side there are carved cherry blossoms, inside of which there is a globe and flags of the states that were part of the Entente.

For participation in the Manchurian Incident (1931-34)

The war was not officially declared, so it appears in historical documents as an “incident.” The Emperor established the medal by decree of July 23, 1934.

It was minted from bronze. On the front side there is a chrysanthemum, under it there is a kite on a traditional Asian shield. Behind the bird of prey are rays of light diverging in different directions. On the inside there are naval and army helmets against the background of cherry blossoms.

For participation in the China Incident (1937-45)

This incentive badge was introduced into the award system on July 27, 1939. The Emperor ordered that it be given to soldiers going to Chinese territory until the summer of 1945. This is one of the most common awards. The design is identical to that of the Manchurian Incident.

For participation in the great East Asian War

This is the last military award; it was established on June 21, 1944. In total, the mint produced 10 thousand copies, but most remained unclaimed. After the signing of the act of surrender by the Japanese authorities, the remaining copies were destroyed.

The award is tin, gray. Size – 3 cm. In the center of the obverse there is a chrysanthemum - it is superimposed on crossed balls and an eight-pointed star. Along the edge of the circle there is an ornament of sakura flowers. The reverse features a traditional shield and the name of the war in hieroglyphs.

Modern series

The modern series is called “Medals of Honor”, ​​it was introduced on December 7, 1881 and consists of 6 units. All of them are made in the same design, the main difference is the color of the ribbon:

Red ribbon– the award was first presented in 1882. Laureates are people who risked their own lives to save other people. Until 2005, the youngest hero was a 15-year-old boy who saved passengers from a sinking car. But in 2011, a younger rescuer appeared - he was 13 years old.

Green– was originally intended for respectful and pious children, grandchildren, and wives. Later, the list of candidates expanded and the state award began to be given for professionalism and diligence to those specialists whose work is a worthy example to follow. In 2003, the wording was changed to “active service to society and high moral character.”

Yellow – introduced in 1887, and abolished in 1947. After 8 years, it was restored to its previous status and is awarded, as before, for professionalism in one’s field, worthy of imitation.

Blue – the first award took place in 1882 . The insignia with a blue order bar is intended to encourage individuals working for the benefit of society and in the name of serving society.

Blue – The first awards ceremony took place in 1919. Since then, medals with an order ribbon of this color have been awarded to people who have donated significant sums for the benefit of the people.

Purple – the youngest of the 6 awards. The first ceremony took place in 1955. It is awarded to people of science and art for their significant contribution to the development of these fields of activity.

The name of the recipient is stamped on the back of all badges, with the exception of the badge with a blue ribbon - the name is not stamped on it.

According to established tradition, medal award ceremonies are held twice a year:

• April 29 – Emperor Showa’s birthday;
• November 3 – Culture Day.

Both dates are public holidays that are celebrated on a grand scale. The program of celebrations includes exhibitions, festivals, concerts and award ceremonies for the best of the best.

Japanese Self-Defense Forces Medals

Japanese Self-Defense Forces Medals(Japanese 防衛記念章) - departmental awards of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, introduced on April 1, 1982. Actually, there are no medals in the traditional sense; the medal sign is a rectangular strip 36 x 11 mm, covered with moire fabric of the appropriate color. Initially there were 15 slats, then their number changed several times, currently there are 48.

History of the award

Admiral of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Japanese Self-Defense Forces medals No. 4 and No. 18 and boxes for them.

In accordance with the Potsdam Declaration in 1945, the army was disarmed and demobilized in Japan, the military and naval ministries with all subordinate bodies were dissolved, and military personnel were deprived of pension rights.

In the new Constitution of the country, adopted in 1947, Article 9 stated that

However, on January 23, 1950, Prime Minister Yoshida stated that Japan was not giving up the right to self-defense.

After the outbreak of the Korean War on July 8, 1950, MacArthur's directive ordered the Japanese government to create the so-called Police Reserve Corps, which can be considered as the beginning of the revival of the Japanese army.

When the Japan Self-Defense Forces (Japanese: 自衛隊 Jieitai) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces (Japanese: 海上自衛隊 Kaijo: Jieitai) were created in 1954, no awards were given to the personnel. On the contrary, they could not be awarded state awards (orders and medals) of Japan. It should be mentioned here that the purely military Order of the Golden Kite was abolished back in 1947. Therefore, the personnel of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces were left without awards. But in the 50-60s, in the ranks of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces there were still veterans of the Imperial Army and Navy, who could wear bars (and the awards themselves) received during World War II and earlier. But by the beginning of the 80s, they all either died or retired. And the Japanese military personnel were left without insignia for their services.

In 1982, it was decided to fill the award vacuum. The Japanese Self-Defense Forces have established such types of incentives as declarations of gratitude, awarding a certificate of commendation, badges “For Merit in Defense” and “For Diligence,” and commemorative military medals (Japanese: 防衛記念章).

The personnel of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces are awarded medals of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces for the successful performance of official duties, for achievements and specific results in service, for length of service. Awards are worn on uniform, on the left side of the chest. It should be noted that there are no actual medals in the traditional sense in the Japanese Self-Defense Forces; instead, ribbons are used (each award has its own colors), which are attached to bars. The current award system is the same for all three types of armed forces (ground, sea and air). Initially (April 1, 1982) 15 tapes were created. Then the number of ribbons increased - in 2000 there were 32, and in 2013 - 42. In 2017, there were already 48 strips, but 5 medals are no longer awarded.

The idea of ​​“commemorative ribbons” (medals of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces) is completely copied from American stripes (Eng. unit awards/unit citations).

Statute of the award

Reasons for awarding

Military medals are awarded to the following categories of military personnel: those awarded “gratitude” awards; those who contributed to the collective awarding of the formation (institution); command staff; serving in the central bodies of military command; having long years of service; performing official duties abroad; participating in operational and combat training (OCT) activities abroad, for the delivery of Antarctic expeditions, in the international activities of the self-defense forces, as well as in government events and sports competitions.

Award criteria and appearance of the medal bars of the Japan Self-Defense Forces

Image	Award number	Award criteria
	Military medal No. 1.	(Daiichigo Boei Kinensho) - intended for those awarded Special Thanks from the Prime Minister of Japan.
	Military medal No. 2.	For those marked with First Class Commendation on behalf of the Chief of the Defense Directorate for outstanding results and achievements that have become a model for other military personnel of the unit: in military campaigns and in actions to ensure public safety; when performing tasks to eliminate the consequences of natural disasters; in the field of technical inventions and innovation proposals that deserve encouragement in terms of their value.
	Military medal No. 3.	For those awarded the Second Class Commendation on behalf of the Chiefs of Staff of the Ground, Sea and Air Self-Defense Forces for outstanding results and achievements specified in the regulations of Medal No. 2.
	Military medal No. 4.	Gratitude 3rd degree. Participation in the actions of troops (forces), patrols, search and rescue and restoration work, as well as other cases determined by the Minister of Defense.
	Military medal No. 5.	Gratitude 3rd degree. Impeccable service, accident-free flights (5 thousand flying hours) and driving (150 thousand km).
	Military medal No. 6.	Gratitude 3rd degree. For inventions, innovation proposals, increasing the level of performance of official duties.
	Military medal No. 7.	Gratitude 3rd degree. Cases different from those provided for by the regulations of medals number 4-6. Conducting and participating in OBP events.
	Military medal No. 8.	Gratitude 4th degree. Participation in the actions of troops (forces), patrols, search and rescue and restoration work, as well as other cases determined by the Minister of Defense.
	Military medal No. 9.	Gratitude 4th degree. Impeccable service, accident-free flights (3 thousand flight hours) and driving (100 thousand km).
	Military medal No. 10.	Gratitude 4th degree. For inventions, innovation proposals, increasing the level of performance of official duties.
	Military medal No. 11.	Gratitude 4th degree. Cases different from those provided for by the regulations of medals number 8-10. Conducting and participating in 0BP events.
	Military medal No. 12.	Gratitude 5th degree. Participation in the actions of troops (forces), patrols, search and rescue and restoration work, as well as other cases determined by the Minister of Defense.
	Military medal No. 13.	Gratitude 5th degree. Gratitude 5th degree. Impeccable service, accident-free flights (1.5 thousand flight hours) and driving (20 thousand km).
	Military medal No. 14.	Gratitude 5th degree. For inventions, innovation proposals, increasing the level of performance of official duties.
	Military medal No. 15.	Gratitude 5th degree. Cases different from those provided for by the regulations of medals number 12-14. Conducting and participating in OBP events.
	Military medal No. 16.	Merits are in safety. Prevention of accidents and disasters, participation in their elimination.
	Military medal No. 17.	Involvement in awarding the unit with a special certificate.
	Military medal No. 18.	Involvement in awarding the unit with a 1st degree diploma.
	Military medal No. 19.	Command staff in the ranks of lieutenant general, vice admiral (commanders of the ground forces, naval fleet, air combat command of the Air Force).
	Military medal No. 20.	Command staff in the ranks of major general, rear admiral (commanders of ground forces, air wings, flotillas).
	Military medal No. 21.	Command staff with the ranks of colonel, captain 1st rank (commanders of regiments, ship divisions, aviation groups).
	Military medal No. 22.	Command staff in the ranks of major, lieutenant colonel, captain 3, 2 ranks (commanders of battalions, companies, ships, aviation squadrons).
	Military medal No. 23.	Command staff in the ranks of junior officers (unit commanders).
	Military medal No. 24.	Command staff in the ranks of lieutenant general, vice admiral (deputy commanders or chiefs of staff of the ground forces, navy, air combat command of the Air Force). Introduced June 1, 2017.
	Military medal No. 25.	Command staff in the ranks of major general, rear admiral (deputy commanders or chiefs of staff of ground forces formations, air wings, flotillas). Introduced June 1, 2017.
	Military medal No. 26.	Command staff with the ranks of colonel, captain 1st rank (deputy commanders or chiefs of staff of regiments, ship divisions, aviation groups). Introduced June 1, 2017.
	Military medal No. 27.	Command staff in the ranks of major, lieutenant colonel, captain 3, 2 ranks (deputy commanders or chiefs of staff of battalions, companies, ships, aviation squadrons). Introduced June 1, 2017.
	Military medal No. 28.	Command staff in the ranks of junior officers (deputy unit commanders). Introduced June 1, 2017.
	Military medal No. 29.	Service in the central apparatus of the Ministry of Defense.
	Military medal No. 30.	Service in the joint headquarters (excluding the Command and Staff College of the General Staff).
	Military medal No. 31.	Service at the headquarters of a branch of the self-defense forces.
	Military medal No. 32.	Service in the Secretariat of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Awarded until March 26, 2006.
	Military medal No. 33.	Service in the intelligence department of the Ministry of Defense (excluding electronic intelligence centers).
	Military medal No. 34.	Service in a scientific research technical center (excluding research institutes and testing grounds). Established in June 2009. In October 2015, it was abolished in connection with the creation of the Defense Supply Agency. Replaced by Military Medal No. 37.
	Military medal No. 35.	Service in the military supply department. Established in June 2009. In October 2015, it was abolished in connection with the creation of the Defense Supply Agency. Replaced by Military Medal No. 37.
	Military medal No. 36.	Service in the inspection department.
	Military medal No. 37.	For employees of Defense Supply Agency agencies. Introduced in October 2015.
	Military medal No. 38.	For employees who worked in administrative institutions of the country. Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers. Cabinet of Ministers, etc.
	Military medal No. 39.	For 25 years of service.
	Military medal No. 40.	For 10 years of service.
	Military medal No. 41.	Service abroad.
	Military medal No. 42.	Participation in activities to combat maritime piracy.
	Military medal No. 43.	Participation in the elimination of large-scale disasters in Japan.
	Military medal No. 44.	Contribution to international activities. Participation in peacekeeping operations.
	Military medal No. 45.	Contribution to international activities. Performing tasks in accordance with the law “On special measures to combat terrorism.” No longer awarded.
	Military medal No. 46.	Contribution to international activities. Fulfillment of tasks in accordance with the Law “On Special Measures to Assist in the Reconstruction of Iraq.” No longer awarded.
	Military medal No. 47.	For military personnel of units who took part in important state events (parades, international sports competitions, mourning ceremonies for the death of the emperor, etc.).
	Military medal No. 48.	Participation in OBP activities outside Japan (for participation in exercises and maneuvers abroad).

Wearing order

Wearing Japanese Self-Defense Forces medal bars.

The straps are worn on dress and casual uniforms on the left side of the chest.

Place in the hierarchy of awards

Japan Self-Defense Forces medals are one of the few awards that a modern Japanese soldier can receive. In accordance with the established practice in Japan, military personnel are not awarded state awards (six types of orders and medals) during the period of service. At the same time, the presentation of state awards is possible after the discharge of military personnel from the self-defense forces.

Japan Awards. Orders, medals, badges of the Second World War with photographs and descriptions.

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The reward system in the Japanese Empire began to take shape during the Meiji era. At the beginning of March 1873, a commission was organized to study foreign award systems. At the beginning of March 1873, a commission was formed to analyze foreign materials related to the award system.

Ambassador to France Mukaiyama, having ascertained how great the prestige of orders was in the diplomatic circles of Paris, reported in March 1866 that in Western European countries orders and medals were awarded not only for military, but also for merits in the civilian field. Awards, Mukaiyama wrote, are made using gold, silver, and precious stones. Orders and medals are awarded not only to citizens of their own country, but also to rulers and subjects of foreign countries, the Japanese ambassador pointed out. Being a symbol of recognition of merit, they are highly valued in society, more than rewarding with a large amount of money.

The first award was presented in Japan in 1874. For a long time, the appearance of Japanese awards remained practically unchanged, but the text on them could be modified (for example, since 1936, instead of “Emperor of Japan” - “Emperor of the Great Empire”).

Until the end of the war in 1945, holders of orders and medals were respected in the Land of the Rising Sun and were treated as heroes. But in connection with the surrender in World War II, the attitude towards military awards changed not for the better. Japan's military decorations have appeared in markets and second-hand stores. American military personnel exchanged Japanese orders and medals for cigarettes, food and other small items, as a kind of “souvenirs”. Japanese military decorations could be seen hanging from geisha kimono belts, dog collars, etc.

After World War II, Japan's award system underwent dramatic changes. Since May 1946, the Japanese cabinet abolished all military awards as “symbols of militarism.” The 1947 Constitution abolished all privileges and monetary payments to previously awarded recipients. Only in the event of the death of persons awarded orders of the first degree, a sum was allocated to pay for the funeral rite.

Only in 1963 was the possibility of awarding Japanese awards restored (except for the Order of the Golden Kite and some medals). In 1964, posthumous awards were resumed for fallen combatants, as well as for those who died in captivity. The total number of such awards in 1988 was 2,049,071 people, about 90% of the awards were the Order of the Rising Sun of the seventh and eighth degrees.

1 - cotton work uniform;
2 - field uniform made of woolen fabric with white cotton lining. The lining bore the owner's markings, the model type (type 98) and the manufacturer's mark.
In the large inner pocket of his uniform, the soldier kept a soldier's pay book (2a), a material allowance book (2b) and another document (2c);
3 — field cotton trousers with ribbons at the ankles;
4 — side bag, model 1938;
5 - the most common side bag of the 1941 model;
6a - leather waist belt (6b) type 30 (model 1897) with two pouches for 30 rounds each and one “reserve” pouch for 60 rounds.
As a rule, two pouches were worn on the belt on the stomach, to the right and left of the buckle, and one on the back, the “back” pouch was slightly different in design from the front ones. An oil can (6c) was attached to the right end of the rear pouch. This pouch was larger in size and had not two, but three compartments for 20 rounds each, that is, the pouch held 60 rounds in total.
The infantryman did not have the right to use ammunition from the rear, reserve, pouch without special orders.
The belt has a loop for attaching the sheath of a bayonet-knife. The scabbard had two narrow loops or one wide one.
The belt was equipped with an open metal buckle - aluminum, copper or steel. Buckles were sometimes painted dirty olive or black.
Throughout the war, the design of the belt belt did not change, but instead of leather, the ammunition began to be sewn from fabric.
The belt was supported on the tunic by two loops sewn to it, one on the right and one on the left;
6c - oiler;
7 — oval soldier identification plate measuring 32 x 50 mm; medallions were made of aluminum or copper.
There was one square hole along the edges of the medallion.
The Japanese always cremated the dead, so a second medallion intended to identify the body of the murdered person was not required.
The medallion contained minimal information about the soldier (in the picture below on the left).
The inscription on the medallion was read from top to bottom: the top symbol is the branch of the military, then the regiment number, the individual number of the soldier. The officer's medallion (in the picture below on the right) also indicated the surname and rank;

8a - underwear;
8b - two pairs of socks;
8c - toiletries;
8g - small towel;
8d - large towel;
8e - slippers;

9 - early type backpack.
The infantryman's backpack was a simple backpack with a large flap at the top.
On the inner surface of the backpack there were ribbons intended for attaching all sorts of things.
The old type backpack was made of leather and had a rectangular shape. The skin was stretched over a wooden frame.
Shortly before the start of the war, a fabric version of a backpack bag on a wooden frame appeared.
During wartime, such backpacks began to be made from waterproof fabric.
The dimensions of the backpack are 127 x 330 x 330 mm.
They carried packed lunches and personal items in the backpack;
10a - an old type flask with a capacity of 1 pint;
10b - 2.5 pint flask type 94.
The flask of the 1934 model was made of aluminum and painted in a dirty olive color, the cap of the flask was made of natural cork.
A metal cup-lid was placed over the cork and tied to the flask with a ribbon so that it would not get lost.
The flask could be attached to the belt with vertical or horizontal straps;
11 - a pot consisting of four items: a lid/plate attached to the side of a round frying pan, a container for soup and a container for rice.
The last two containers were connected to each other by wire.
A simplified model of the pot with a container only for rice was also produced.
The pot was placed in a quilted cover, which prevented the contents of the pot from quickly cooling in the cold.