Defensive meritorious badge

Defense merit badge (Japanese: 防衛功労章) is the decorative insignia for the Members of Japan Self-Defense Forces, who were awarded a commendation certificate. The Officials who have been awarded Special class Commendation, 1st class Commendation, 2nd class Commendation, or 3rd class Commendation are given this badge as the supplementary prize.

The special class is awarded upon a recommendation from the prime minister, the first class is awarded upon a recommendation from the head of the Ministry of Defense and the second class is awarded upon a recommendation from the chiefs of staff.^[1]

Badges have been awarded to members of the armed forces that compete in the Olympics.^[2]