, formal rank designations: was the highest rank in the Imperial Japanese Navy. The term was used for both the navy and the Imperial Japanese Army, and was a largely honorific title awarded for extremely meritorious service to the Emperor. In the Meiji period, the title was awarded to five generals and three admirals. In the Taishà  period it was awarded to six generals and six admirals, and in the Shà Âwa period it was awarded to six generals and four admirals. It was similar to Admiral of the Fleet in the Royal Navy and Fleet admiral in the United States Navy.
Note that several were promoted the same year they died; these were posthumous promotions.