Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum to Shinzo Abe

July 13, 2022

The Government of Japan decided to honour former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, posthumously.

Highlights

Shinzo Abe was the longest-serving PM of Japan.
He is the fourth former prime minister to get the Japan’s highest order, under post-war Constitution.

Shinzo Abe’s assassination

Shinzo Abe was assassinated on July 8, 2022, while he was campaigning for election in the city of Nara. Tetsuya Yamagami aged 41, reached near him from behind and fired two shots at him, from a distance of 10 meters. He got conscious immediately. His condition deteriorated while he was being transported to hospital due to cardiac and pulmonary arrest. Later, he was declared dead at Nara Medical University hospital.

The Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum

It is the highest order in Japan. Emperor Meiji of Japan had established the Grand Cordon of the Order in 1876. Later, on January 4, 1888, the Collar of the Order was added. This order can also be conferred posthumously, unlike European orders. Till date, only 7 Japanese citizens have been given this order, apart from Imperial Family. Last order was given to former Prime Minister Saionji Kinmochi in 1928. Among all, eight others have been given posthumously with collar. Last award (posthumously) was given to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022.

The Grand Cardon

It is the highest possible honour, given to Japanese citizen during lifetime. Till date, 53 Japanese citizens have been awarded the grand cardon, apart from members of Imperial Family. Out of these, only 23 were alive at the time of receiving it.

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