Order of Culture

The Japanese Order of Culture (Japanese文化 勲 章, bunka kunshō ) or even Imperial Order of Culture was launched in 1937 and is awarded by the state to individuals who have rendered outstanding services to the Japanese culture.

The presentation of about five Order of Culture is shared with he appointment of the person with special cultural merits annually on November 3, at the solemn ceremonies on the day of culture (文化 の 日, bunka no hi ) instead.

The medal badge, the five-petalled orange blossom dar. In the center of the flower are star-shaped three Magatama, comma-shaped beads arranged in a red circle frame with blue border. At the top of the medal badge hanging on a ornate connector of flowering orange tree branches on the collar.

Known awardees

• Donald Keene (2008)
• Koichi Tanaka (2002)
• Hiroyuki Agawa (1999)
• Tadamitsu Kishimoto (1998)
• Endō Shusaku (1995 )
• Kenzaburo Oe (1994, declined)
• Ibuka Masaru (1992 )
• Enchi Fumiko (1985 )
• Yoichiro Nambu (1978 )
• Munakata Shiko (1970 )
• Higashiyama Kaii (1969 )
• Kobayashi Hideo (1967 )
• Ibuse Masuji (1966 )
• Hamao Umezawa (1962 )
• Kawabata Yasunari (1961 )
• Kotaro Tanaka, Eiji Yoshikawa (1960 )
• Kanjiro Kawai (1955, declined)
• Mushanokoji Saneatsu (1951 )
• Tanizaki Jun'ichirô (1949 )
• Yoshio Nishina (1946 )
• Seihō Takeuchi (1937 )
• Okada Saburosuke (1937 )
• Fujishima Takeji (1937 )
• Yokoyama Taikan (1937 )
• Koda Rohan, Honda Kotaro (1937 )

Swell

• Orders and Decorations (Japan)
• Culture Award (Japan)