The Japanese award system is one of the youngest in the world in comparison with the country's history. The first Japanese order was established in 1866, and the first military medal appeared in 1874. The formation of the award system in Japan is directly related to the end of the Tokugawa shogunate at the end of 1867 and Japan's course towards Europe. It was with an eye on Europeans that the Japanese award system was formed, which, in principle, did not prevent it from being very original and interesting. Like the classical European one, it consists of the highest awards, orders, medals and badges.

The first thing that catches your eye when you get acquainted with Japanese awards is that their design is based on the floral pattern of three plants: sakura inflorescence, paulownia and chrysanthemum flower. These flowers are the basis for the design of most awards. It must be emphasized that when making orders and medals, the Japanese were very careful in their use of precious metals. Mostly silver with gilding was used. And even then, during the war years, silver was replaced with silver alloys. At the same time, the use of colored hot enamels favorably distinguished Japanese awards in their colorfulness in comparison with other countries.

The Japanese were very meticulous in creating awards. Sometimes this process took up to three years. But the design of the orders of Japan from the moment of their establishment to the present day has practically not changed, in contrast to their statutes. True, not all awards from those times enjoy honor and respect in our time. After the surrender in 1945, the country's population changed their attitude towards awards, seeing them as “symbols of war and militarism.” Then orders and medals appeared on the shelves of antique shops and second-hand stores. Soldiers of the American occupation forces exchanged Japanese orders for cigarettes and food, seeing them as unique “souvenirs.” There have been cases where geisha hung other people's orders from the belts of their kimonos, and dog owners - from the collars of their four-legged pets.

It should be noted that there were very few orders in the Japanese award system, but the existing ones had a large multi-level order - 7-8 degrees. This made it possible to formally equalize the recognition of merit between the nobility and the common people. Naturally, the highest degrees of orders were awarded to the highest military command, the lower ones to the rank and file. But even this approach did not hide the stinginess of the Japanese in awarding orders. The number of those awarded the orders (just over 1 million people) is very small compared to the 80 million population of Japan at the beginning of World War II.

The number of military medals in Japan is also not large, and they are in the nature of memorable awards, and not recognition of individual merits or heroism in the war. Therefore, medals were awarded a large number military personnel who participated in certain military operations. They were not distinguished by a special design, nor were they particularly respected among the recipients.

All the stinginess of Japan's award system was offset by the generosity of issuing awards. As in any award system, in Japan award signs played a supporting role. The first awards for distinction were established back in 1881, and were intended to reward ordinary citizens, including women, and were awarded for specific successes in public activities, as well as for “work for the public good.”

Among the award badges, a special place is occupied by the “Medals of Honor” - a specific Japanese look awards In appearance it is a medal, in essence it is a badge, in meaning it is higher than the level of an ordinary medal. It is noteworthy that the number of those awarded “Medals of Honor” is significantly less than those awarded orders, not to mention ordinary medals and decorations. The prestige of such awards is high in Japan to this day. At the same time, such a medal can easily be obtained after donating a certain amount to the needs of the state.

The rating insignia of the Japanese armed forces is represented by a fairly large number of detailed insignia in the army and navy. In aviation, they didn’t really bother with them. Commemorative signs and tokens commemorating maneuvers and completions were popular in the Japanese armed forces. educational institutions and courses. Numerous public organizations assistance and assistance to the military also did not skimp on minting all kinds of thanks, distinctions, badges for achievements, etc. Local authorities did not lag behind them, distributing various badges to military personnel.

Along with award badges, Japan practiced awarding gold, silver or lacquered sake bowls (shot glasses). The cups could be received not only by military personnel, but also by those who assisted the main person awarded the badge of distinction in the work done.

The reigning spirit of militarism in Imperial Japan bestowed badges on almost the entire population. Signs such as “Family Member of a Soldier” or “Father of a Soldier” could be found on any Japanese person during the war.

An important part of maintaining militarism in the country was the honoring of fallen military personnel. The family of the deceased necessarily received either from the state or from local authorities some kind of award or certificate, often special bowls with a document of gratitude.

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 sovereign right 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 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. It was minted in bronze at the Osaka Mint - a total of 300 thousand copies. Medallion unusual shape, tapers 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 had no idea about 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 the islands in Pacific Ocean, 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 bird of prey- rays of light diverging into different sides. On inside– naval and army helmets against the backdrop 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.

Tin award, 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 took risks own life, saving other people. Until 2005 the most young hero there 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 . Insignia with an order bar blue color is intended to encourage individuals who work for the benefit of the public and in the name of public service.

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.

On back side All badges are embossed with the name of the recipient, the only exception is the badge with a blue ribbon - the name is not embossed 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, which are celebrated on a grand scale. The program of celebrations includes exhibitions, festivals, concerts and award ceremonies for the best of the best.

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, 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. 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 due to the surrender in World War II, it is not better side The attitude towards military awards has changed. 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 cash payments previously awarded. 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. Total number such awards in 1988 amounted to 2,049,071 people, about 90% of the awards were the Order of the Rising Sun of the seventh and eighth degrees.

On August 20, 1945, the last commander of the Kwantung Army, Otozo Yamada, surrendered to Soviet troops, signing a capitulation. Let us remember the military path of this “invincible” army.

The combat history of the Kwantung Army begins with the Manchurian Incident of 1931. In general, initially the Kwantung Army (“kwantung” is translated from Japanese language as eastern in relation to the Great Wall of China) was created mainly to protect the railway lines in China outside the Japanese colonies. Gradually, this army becomes the most powerful military group of the Japanese Imperial Army in its entire history.

So, in 1931, the Kwantung Army was tasked with taking full control of Manchuria. The officers of the Kwantung Army, in turn, proposed to the Imperial Headquarters to carry out a series of provocations that would justify the Japanese offensive. For example, an explosion railway, guarded by the Japanese. And just a few hours after the explosion, Japanese troops stormed Chinese military units and put the Chinese soldiers to flight. Manchuria became Japanese.

Medal with the image of Emperor Pu Yi - the ruler of Manchuria. All participants were awarded this medal" liberation campaign"Kwantung Army.

Over the next few years, the Kwantung Army has been participating in operations of varying scale in China. The Japanese command exercised the protection of the puppet state of Manchukuo, whose government Tokyo tried to present as the only legitimate power in the occupied civil war China.

Medal with the image of the flag of Manchukuo.

In 1933, the Kwantung Army carried out Operation Nekka, the goal of which was the final subjugation of the northern Chinese provinces to the Manchukuo government and the spread of Japanese influence into Inner Mongolia. The operation lasted exactly six months, from January to May. The most famous episode of this conflict was the battle for the Great Wall of China, some sections of which changed hands more than once.

The highest order of Manchukuo "Order of the Pillars of the State"

Award from the Japanese government "For the defense of Manchukuo"

On July 7, 1937, the Japanese invasion of Northern China began with the “Marco Polo Bridge Incident.” On this day, Japanese troops, conducting maneuvers, fired at the Chinese garrison. The Chinese also responded with fire. A battle began that lasted until July 9, after which a truce was concluded. However, the conflict did not end there. On July 14, the Japanese resumed fighting, and on July 26 they presented the Chinese with an ultimatum to withdraw their troops from Beijing within 48 hours.

The Chinese authorities rejected this demand, and the next day (July 27, 1937) began, in fact, full-scale military operations that did not stop for 8 years, until the end of World War II. In accordance with “tradition,” they received the name “Chinese Incident” from the Japanese militarists.

Medal "For the China Incident"

When the large-scale Sino-Japanese War began in 1937, units of the Kwantung Army had been engaged in varying degrees of combat for six years, making the army in Manchuria the most prestigious part of the Imperial Army.

Many Japanese officers dreamed of starting a military career in Manchuria, as it guaranteed quick career. As a result, the Kwantung Army became a kind of incubator for the Japanese officer corps on the eve of the outbreak of World War II. Even the unsuccessful operations against the Kwantung Army in 1938 had little effect on the prestige of the Kwantung Army. Soviet troops near Lake Khasan and on the Khalkhin Gol River.

Japanese Veterans Medal imperial army- officers who served in combat conditions for at least 6 years received such “flowers” ​​in their buttonholes.

Officer's medal, the name of which can be translated as "For courage in battle."

Japanese Soldier's Medal for participation in the battles in Manchuria. Only soldiers of the Kwantung Army were awarded.

Medal from the government of Manchukuo for participants in the fighting in Manchuria.

Medal for the battles at Khalkhin Gol

Battles at Khalkhin Gol - local armed conflict, which lasted from spring to autumn 1939 near the Khalkhin Gol River on the territory of Mongolia near the border with Manchukuo between the USSR, the MPR on one side and Empire of Japan and Manchukuo on the other. The final battle took place in late August and ended with the complete defeat of the 6th Separate Army of Japan. An armistice between the USSR and Japan was concluded on September 16, 1939.

According to official Soviet data, the losses of the Japanese-Manchurian troops during the battles from May to September 1939 amounted to more than 61 thousand people. killed, wounded and captured (about 20 thousand of them are officially announced losses of the Kwantung Army). The Soviet-Mongolian troops lost 9831 Soviet (together with the wounded - more than 17 thousand) and 895 Mongolian soldiers.

Japanese Order of the Red Cross Society, which helped the wounded.

Red Cross Medal from the Government of Manchukuo.

Rare Russian-Japanese participant badge sports games. The fact is that in those years there lived a large Russian community in Harbin, and many former officers The White Army began to cooperate with the Japanese occupation authorities.

Toy soldier of the Kwantung Army.

The size of the Kwantung group on the eve of World War II was constantly increasing. When Japan declared war on the United States in December 1941, 1.32 million troops were massed in northeast China. Since Japan abandoned plans to invade the USSR and focused on the war with the United States, the most combat-ready units began to be removed from the Kwantung Army.

The result of these decisions of the Japanese command was a reduction numerical strength groups of up to 600 thousand soldiers (11% of the 5.5 million Japanese army). Moreover, now for the most part these were not experienced, battle-hardened soldiers, but recruits who had been transferred to Manchuria since the beginning of 1945, anticipating the imminent invasion of the USSR.

Most of the modern military equipment was also withdrawn from the Kwantung Army long before 1945.

Medal of a combatant in the Great East Asian War (as World War II was called in Japan).

In August 1945, the USSR declared war on Japan and launched an invasion of Manchuria.

Armament of soldiers and officers of the Kwantung Army

August 9, 1945, on the first day of the offensive Soviet army they had to overcome the most heavily fortified border areas. The troops of the 1st Far Eastern Front, striking from Primorye, broke through a strip of Japanese reinforced concrete fortifications and went deep into enemy territory up to 15 km, and formations of the 2nd Far Eastern Front, having crossed the Amur and Ussuri rivers in battle, captured bridgeheads on the right bank of the Amur. Even greater success was achieved by the troops of the Transbaikal Front, which stormed the Manchurian-Zhalaynor fortified area.

Sake reward set. Distributed to officers who showed bravery in battle.

On August 10, the government of the Mongolian People's Republic joined the Soviet government's statement of August 8 and declared war on Japan.

Pacific Fleet sailor next to the dead man Japanese soldier in the forest on Sakhalin.

On August 11, the Chinese People's Liberation Army also intensified military operations against the Japanese invaders. As a result of the first powerful blow of the Soviet Army, the very next day after the outbreak of hostilities, the Japanese government announced through the Soviet ambassador in Tokyo that it was ready to accept the terms of the declaration of July 2 (3), which called for unconditional surrender. However, the Japanese command did not give the order their armed forces to lay down their arms, and the Soviet troops, crushing the resisting enemy, continued to carry out the tasks previously assigned to them.

Loading a torpedo with the inscription “Death to the Samurai!” to the Soviet Pacific Fleet submarine of the "Pike" type.

Despite the fierce resistance of the enemy, who took advantage of the mountainous and wooded terrain and tried with all his might to delay the advance of the Soviet armies, its pace increased more and more every day. And as a result of the first five days of the offensive of the Soviet Army, the Japanese fortifications in Manchuria were broken through.

Soviet troops dismembered the Kwantung Army and, with rapid advances in all directions, did not give the enemy the opportunity to organize consistent resistance on river and mountain lines.

Colonel of the Red Army with capitulated soldiers of the Japanese army.

Since August 19, Japanese troops almost everywhere began to surrender. To speed up this process, to prevent them from evacuating or destroying material assets, airborne assault forces were landed in Harbin, Mukden, Changchun, Girin, Port Arthur, Dalniy, Pyongyang, Kanko, (Hamhung) and other cities.

Japanese traders prepared for the arrival Soviet soldiers, preparing posters with inscriptions in Russian.

Taking under guard Japanese warehouses in the area of ​​operation of the 53rd Army of the Trans-Baikal Front in the vicinity Chinese city Fuxin.

Immediately after the signing of Japan’s surrender on September 2, 1945 and the end of hostilities, it was decided to take under the protection of Soviet troops numerous military warehouses with food, weapons and other property located in China.

Negotiations between the Soviet command and representatives of the Kwantung Army headquarters on the terms of the surrender of Japanese troops.

On August 20, the last commander of the Kwantung Army, Otozo Yamada, signed the surrender. After the defeat in Manchuria, Japan no longer had significant forces left to conduct operations outside the country.

Sword of the commander of the Kwantung Army (photo from the Kwantung Army Museum in Port Arthur)

Military flag of the Imperial Japanese Army.

Banner of the Kwantung Army.

Immediately after the Manchurian incident, probably the most common military medal of Japan arrived - the Medal for Participation in the Chinese Incident (medal of the Sino-Japanese War 1937-1945).

On July 7, 1937, the Japanese invasion of Northern China began with the “Marco Polo Bridge Incident.” On this day, Japanese troops, conducting maneuvers, fired at the Chinese garrison. The Chinese also responded with fire. A battle began that lasted until July 9, after which a truce was concluded. However, the conflict did not end there.

On July 14, the Japanese resumed hostilities, and on July 26, they presented the Chinese with an ultimatum to withdraw their troops from Beijing within 48 hours. The Chinese authorities rejected this demand, and the next day (July 27, 1937) began, in fact, full-scale military operations that did not stop for 8 years, until the end of World War II. In accordance with “tradition,” they received the name “China Incident” from the Japanese militarists.

On March 30, 1940, a puppet “central government of China” was formed in Japanese-occupied Nanjing.
By the end of 1941, Japan had captured Chinese territory with a population of about 215 million people. The most developed areas of the country, mainly the coastal Chinese provinces, where the most big cities, seaports and industrial enterprises, main railways and waterways.

Well, then Pearl Harbor, Okinawa, Midway, atomic bombings, Gobi and Khingan, Port Arthur, landings on the Kuril Islands and surrender.

The last Japanese military medal of the twentieth century.

The original Imperial Edict No. 496 of July 27, 1939 was subsequently supplemented by Edict No. 418 of 1944.

It was prescribed that the medal be awarded to soldiers heading to China until the summer of 1945. This award is quite common.

The ribbon is 37 mm wide, made of moire silk, and has longitudinal stripes: 3 mm light blue (symbolizing the sea and naval forces), 3 mm light blue (sky and air force), 7.5 mm tan (yellow soil of China and, accordingly, ground forces), 3.5 mm dark pink (land of China, watered with blood) and 2 mm bright red (blood and loyalty). The ribbon for the bars had pink stripes that faded to brown, but it was never used as the ribbon for the actual medal.

The diameter of the medal is 30 mm, it is made of bronze. Its hinged suspension and bar are similar to previous military medals. The obverse depicts mythological creature“brave raven” (“yata-no-karasu”), which sits on the crossed army and navy flags. Behind him are rays of light, and on top is the imperial coat of arms of the chrysanthemum.

On the reverse you can see designs made in classical chinese style images of mountains, clouds and sea waves, symbolizing Northern China, Central China and the Yellow Sea, respectively. The inscription on the back of the medal: “China Incident.”

Black box with silver hieroglyphs

This pepper has medals for the Manchu and Chinese incidents hanging together - from one incident to another at once

This pepper is similar

It remains to throw two Japanese military medals into the box - the war of 1895 and a boxer, then arrange everything on a stand and you can close the topic for yourself.
Beautiful, somewhere romantic, exotic, but somehow everything is fast and accessible.

So it's a little sad.