Japan uses paulownia flowers to reward modern civilian merit

While European nations often award medals to soldiers and politicians, Japan’s modern merit system honors the quiet persistence of everyday citizens, from master gardeners to community organizers. In a tradition known as the Spring Conferment, the government selects over 3,000 individuals who have typically dedicated at least fifty years to their specific craft or public service. The most prestigious of these awards feature the purple paulownia flower, a botanical symbol that has represented the Japanese government since the 12th century and was officially codified into the honors system by a Meiji decree in 1875.