open hours 10:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
closed on Monday
(if monday falls on a holiday, it will be open and closed next day)
The Order of Culture
The order of culture Q&A
What is the order of culture?
It is a Japanese medal awarded to those who have remarkable accomplishments in the development and improvement of Japanese culture such as science, technology, academics and arts.
As for the design of the medal, three-pronged ball (madam) is placed in the center of the petals of white tachibana. The above knob has the design with a motif of tachibana noodles and leaves as well.
When did the award ceremony of the order of culture start?
The order of culture was enacted by the royal decree No. 9 on behalf of the then Prime Minister Hiroyuki Hirota on February 11, 1937.
How is the recipient of the Order of Culture elected?
Firstly, the minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology selects "Cultural Development Award for Cultural Development" from cultural contributors, and recommends it to the Prime Minister. After reviewing the recommended person at the Cabinet Office's Award for Bureau of Awards, the Cabinet will decide who deserves the award.
How many recipients so far?
Total 407 people (as of November 2018), 21 women among them.
Do you have a recipient every year?
No. There was no recipient in showa 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 22 (1938, 1939, 1941, 1942, 1945, 1947).
Are only Japanese eligible for this award?
No. Whoever contributed the development of Japanese culture can receive this award. There are 6 Americans that received the award in the past.
Does anyone that passed away also receive this award?
Certainly. We call it “offering” and there are 3 cases in the past.
Has anyone declined to accept the order of culture?
Yes. Kanjiro Kawai (ceramic artist), Morikazu Kumagai (western style painter), Kanzaburo Oe (novelist) and others.
When is the award ceremony of the Order of Culture?
A medal will be awarded from the Emperor at the Imperial Palace on November 3rd "Culture Day" every year.
In addition to the medal, can recipients get money (prize money)?
No. As it is forbidden to give privileges to the award of the medal in the Constitution (Article 14 of the Constitution of Japan), there are no prizes such as money.
2-2-30 Hagoromo, Takaishi-shi, Osaka 592-0002
(4min walk from Nankai Main Line, Hagoromo st. or JR Higashi-Hagoromo st.)
parking available
open hours 10:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
closed on Monday (if monday falls on a holiday, it will be open and closed next day)
phone: +81-72-262-2600