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Can people still win the Order of the Golden Kite today?

No, this award is no longer given out. It was created in 1890, but it was stopped after World War II. In 1947, the new government in Japan officially took it away. It has not been awarded for over 75 years.

What does the golden kite bird stand for?

The medal is named after an old legend about the first emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu. The story says a golden bird flew down to sit on his bow during a hard battle. The bird glowed with a bright light and helped him defeat his enemies. The medal honors that brave spirit from long ago.

Could normal soldiers receive this award?

Yes, both officers and regular soldiers could earn this medal. There were seven different levels, or classes, for the award. Officers usually received the higher classes, while enlisted soldiers and sailors were given the lower ones. It was meant to reward anyone who showed great courage while fighting in a war.

Did recipients get any special rewards?

Yes, soldiers who earned the medal received extra benefits. They were given a special payment of money from the government every single year. These payments lasted for the rest of their lives as a sign of respect. This continued until the program was closed after the war ended in 1945.

Could civilians receive this medal?

No, this award was not for regular people. It was only for men serving in the Imperial Japanese Army or Navy. The rules stated it was strictly for military bravery and leadership during combat. Because of this, it was known as the most important military medal in Japan.

Can people still win the Order of the Golden Kite today?

No, this award is no longer given out. It was created in 1890, but it was stopped after World War II. In 1947, the new government in Japan officially took it away. It has not been awarded for over 75 years.

What does the golden kite bird stand for?

The medal is named after an old legend about the first emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu. The story says a golden bird flew down to sit on his bow during a hard battle. The bird glowed with a bright light and helped him defeat his enemies. The medal honors that brave spirit from long ago.

Could normal soldiers receive this award?

Yes, both officers and regular soldiers could earn this medal. There were seven different levels, or classes, for the award. Officers usually received the higher classes, while enlisted soldiers and sailors were given the lower ones. It was meant to reward anyone who showed great courage while fighting in a war.

Did recipients get any special rewards?

Yes, soldiers who earned the medal received extra benefits. They were given a special payment of money from the government every single year. These payments lasted for the rest of their lives as a sign of respect. This continued until the program was closed after the war ended in 1945.

Could civilians receive this medal?

No, this award was not for regular people. It was only for men serving in the Imperial Japanese Army or Navy. The rules stated it was strictly for military bravery and leadership during combat. Because of this, it was known as the most important military medal in Japan.

Home Library JapanOrder of the Golden Kite

Valor decoration

Order of the Golden Kite

This was the highest military award for combat bravery and leadership in Imperial Japan.

Japan Established 1890 Imperial Japanese Army and NavyPrecedence: Highest strictly military award in Imperial Japan

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for exceptional bravery, courage, and leadership in combat.

Eligibility

Imperial Japanese Army and Navy officers and enlisted soldiers.

Branch

Imperial Japanese Army and Navy

Precedence

Highest strictly military award in Imperial Japan

Order of the Golden Kite, Valor decoration, Japan medal

History

Emperor Meiji created the Order of the Golden Kite in 1890. It was based on an ancient Japanese legend about a glowing golden bird that helped the first emperor win a great battle. It was the only Japanese order made exclusively for military combat bravery and battlefield leadership.

The award had seven different classes. Officers received higher classes, while enlisted soldiers and sailors received lower classes. Soldiers who earned it received money from the government every year for the rest of their lives.

After World War II ended in 1945, the Allied occupation government ordered Japan to abolish the order. In 1947, Japan officially removed the medal from its honors system, and it has never been awarded since.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

First Sino-Japanese WarBoxer RebellionRusso-Japanese WarWorld War ISecond Sino-Japanese WarWorld War II

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Isoroku Yamamoto, including Great East Asia War Medal, China Incident War Medal, World War I Inter-Allied Victory Medal, Russo-Japanese War Medal, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Order of the Rising Sun, Order of the Golden Kite, World War I War Medal, shown against a light Japan flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Great East Asia War Medal China Incident War Medal World War I Inter-Allied Victory Medal+5

Isoroku Yamamoto

Who Was Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto?

The Japanese Admiral who planned the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Japan1941-12-07

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Sources

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