Kanpaku (chief advisor to the Emperor) and Daijo-daijin (Grand minister of state), or those who rendered distinguished service as seii taishogun (literally, "great general who subdues the barbarians") and others who accomplished great deeds for the nation were granted this rank.
関白や太政大臣、あるいは征夷大将軍として功労をなした者その他、国家に対する偉勲の著しい者が叙されている。