JAPAN: Gold Cross of the Order of Merit of the Japanese Imperial Red Cross Society.

. MALE AWARD BOXED The Order of Merit was instituted in 1888, in 2 classes. It is awarded by the Standing Council of the Red Cross Society (with the ratification of the Emperor) for distinguished contributions to the Society. The Japanese Red Cross Society was founded in 1877 (as Benevolence Society) with the scope of providing aid to the wounded during the Satsuma Rebellion.