Reading command appointments and staff service from Kawano's ribbons

Japan's Defense Memorial Cordons distinguish command experience at different ranks. The nineteenth and twentieth recognize command appointments at vice-admiral and rear-admiral level, while the twenty-first and twenty-second cover field-officer command appointments. Kawano also held the twenty-fifth cordon for Joint Staff Office service and Ministry of Defense selection. The twenty-sixth recognizes service in the Ground, Maritime, or Air Staff Office. His two gold cherry blossoms on that ribbon indicate four or more awards, making repeated staff service visible alongside his command appointments.