Defensive memorial cordon

Before establishment

After World War II, the standard for conferment of a decoration was changed and the Self-Defense Officials in active service were excluded from the now-civilian orders and decorations. In addition, Japan Self-Defense Forces could not gain opportunity to participate battle because it is prohibited by Chapter 9 of the Constitution of Japan.　

Just after Japan Self-Defense Forces was established in 1954, there were some officials who had military decorations and ribbon bars awarded by Imperial Japanese Army, so they wore in formal ceremony. They retired as time goes on, and no one could wear the military decorations with entitlement. For this reason, the officers in Japan Self-Defense Forces in the 1970s had to participate in international meetings without any decorations.

Establishment

On April 1, 1982, the system for Defensive memorial cordon was established to keep balance of looking between Japanese and foreign servicemen. When the system for Defensive memorial cordon was established, there were only 15 sorts of cordons.

Requirements

The following Self-Defense Force officers in active service are allowed to wear the DMC.

1. The Self-Defense Officials who are received an official commendation by Japan Self-Defense Forces.
2. The Self-Defense Officials who served duties about the concerned awarding at the awarded institutions (National Defense Academy, National Defense Medical College, National Institute for Defense Studies, Technical Research and Development Institute, Equipment Procurement and Construction Office, the military units, the military institutions, a branch offices of Equipment office)
3. The Self-Defense Officials who were the commanders of the units, or other managerial positions established by the Minister of Defense.
4. The Self-Defense Officials who served duties at the internal Subdivisions (Internal Subdivisions in Ministry of Defense, Section of the Joint Staffs, Defense Intelligence Headquarters, Ground Staff Office, Maritime Staff Office, Air Staff Office, Technical Research and Development Institute, Equipment Procurement and Construction Office, Inspector General's Office of Legal Compliance)
5. The Self-Defense Officials who served long period. In this case, the officials who were awarded the prize of perfect attendance.
6. The Self-Defense Officials who worked at the diplomatic missions in overseas, or who were engaged duties about procurement by onerous assistance or other duties in overseas.
7. The Self-Defense Officials who participated training in oversea or work for transporting to the South Pole.
8. The Self-Defense Officials who participated the work for international contribution.
9. The Self-Defense Officials who engaged in the national events or cooperating work of sports competitions which are regulated in Self-Defense Forces Act Chapter126-12 (Olympic Games, Asian Games, National Sports Festival, FIFA World Cup).

Sorts

There are 41 sorts now. When the system for Defensive memorial cordon was established, there were only 15 cordons. They must be worn by ascending order. Male officials wear 3 cordons for each line, and female officials wear 2 cordons for each line. If the foreign Orders were awarded, they must be put on the top line.

Some sorts (marked as grey) are precisely not abolished and they still exist, but it is impossible to meet requirements (the targeted organizations was abolished, or missions was finished).

Winning the same cordons

If the same cordons were awarded, the winners have to put gold or silver cherry blossoms on the cordons.

example: