noun
Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette
A specific class within the Japanese Order of the Sacred Treasure (瑞宝章). The name 旭日小綬章 is the official designation; it is a noun referring to this medal.
彼は長年の功績により旭日小綬章を受章した。
He received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette, for his many years of service.
瑞宝章 is the general name for the Order of the Sacred Treasure, while 旭日小綬章 is a specific grade within that order.
The name is composed of 旭日 (rising sun), 小 (small), 綬 (ribbon/medal), and 章 (badge/order), reflecting the design and class of the medal. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.