noun
Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays
A specific class of the Japanese Order of the Sacred Treasure. Used in formal contexts and official honors.
彼は長年の功績により瑞宝単光章を授与された。
He was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays for his many years of service.
瑞宝章 is the general Order of the Sacred Treasure, while 瑞宝単光章 is a specific class within it (Silver Rays).
The name is composed of 瑞宝 (sacred treasure) and 単光章 (single ray decoration), reflecting the design of the medal. The exact historical derivation of the class name is uncertain.