The Order of Cultural Merit (Bunka kunsho) is a national honor conferred upon a recipient by the emperor. On November 3 of each year (Culture Day), the prime minister awards certificates to recipients at a ceremony in the Imperial Palace. The Order of Cultural Merit is awarded to select Persons of Cultural Merit (another related national award). The Order is given to artists, including writers and poets, who have demonstrated highly valuable achievements, and encourages creative activities. Notable author recipients include Kawabata Yasunari, Tanizaki Jun’ichiro, Shiga Naoya, and Yoshikawa Eiji.
Historical dictionary of modern Japanese literature and theater. J. Scott Miller. 2009.