Order of the 1st Class
Refers to the highest rank within the Japanese system of orders and decorations (勲章). Historically awarded for exceptional merit, now part of the modern honors system.
He was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, 1st Class, for his many years of service.
Standard kanji spelling for the order of the 1st class.
Variant using Arabic numeral; less common but seen in some contexts.
Compound of 勲 (merit) + 一等 (first class). The term originates from the Japanese honors system established in the Meiji era.