Orders and decorations are awarded to individuals for meritorious service to the nation, beginning with the Order of the Rising Sun established in 1875. The Order of the White Paulownia Leaves, 8th Class, was established as the 8th class of the Order of the Rising Sun and was awarded to those with military service records. In 2003, the order system was revised, abolishing the numerical grading system and simplifying the grades to six levels, and the Order of the White Paulownia Leaves was abolished. The medal itself is made of pure silver and weighs approximately 15g.