Twice a year, the government confers orders and honors on eminent citizens in recognition of their service to the nation or their local communities. This decoration system, which has been in place since the Meiji Era, has been drawing flak from part of the business world. Some business leaders are calling for a major overhaul of the practice, while others want it scrapped altogether.
In fact, the current honors system is anachronistic: Skewed in favor of politicians and bureaucrats, it does not give due recognition to the accomplishments of private individuals. In an age of small government, the decoration system as it stands impedes efforts to construct a healthier, more balanced relationship between the government and the citizenry.
Whatever the merits of this sort of argument, however, the matter must be dealt with cautiously. After all, the decoration system is firmly established and conferring honors is a time-honored way of recognizing public service. Also, it is doubtful whether abolishing the honors system alone would remove malfeasance and influence-buying between the public and the private sector. It is significant, nevertheless, that an influential voice has been raised against the decoration system.