2nd class awarded on December 13, 1894 to Captain J. M. James for his services rendered to the Imperial Navy during the Japan-China War of 1894.
Silver, gilt, enamel.
Badge size 80 (including paulownia flower suspension) x 55 mm.
Breast star size 90 mm.
Silver, gilt, enamel.
Badge size 80 (including paulownia flower suspension) x 55 mm.
Breast star size 90 mm.
John Matthews James first sailed for England for the Japanese Navy in July 1868, when superintending the building of the Riyo-jo-Kan, which he commanded and sailed back to Japan and delivered in February 1870. In 1876 he was present and sailed in the Gembu-Maru under the orders from the Minister of the Marine to join the Expedition to Korea. For his efforts in surveying water channels he "...received a highly complimentary letter from the Ambassador, accompanied by a substantial present in gold coin for purchasing a suitable souvenir of the expedition."
He was to command a vessel during the Satsuma Rebellion, went on the Unebi-Kan search expedition and was present for all manner of important State events in Japan in the period. James was in receipt of the Fourth Class of the Order and was promoted to the Second Class. He died in Japan in 1908.
He was to command a vessel during the Satsuma Rebellion, went on the Unebi-Kan search expedition and was present for all manner of important State events in Japan in the period. James was in receipt of the Fourth Class of the Order and was promoted to the Second Class. He died in Japan in 1908.