The advancement program for the Scout Association of Japan (ボーイスカウト日本連盟の進歩制度, Bōi Sukauto Nippon Renmei no shinpo seido) is symbolized by the earning of several rank badges.
The program is based around a specially written story called Friends of the Forest.
Badges are elongate light blue ovals with turquoise or vermilion borders, based on their Canadian counterparts.
The Squirrel badge is dark blue ringed in gold, with a button loop.
Once the Squirrel badge requirements have been completed, the Cub Scout will continue with the age appropriate program.
The next three ranks are diamond-shaped red badges based upon the Boy Scouts of America Cub system from the 1940s through 1972.
The badge for the Apprentice or Scout rank consists of a simple fleur-de-lis, which symbolizes a compass needle.
[4] This is the only badge to have a button loop, to emphasize its temporary status and that a Scout should soon move on to Tenderfoot.
The Second Class badge features a scroll inscribed with the Scout Motto, with the ends turned up and a knotted rope hanging from the bottom.
SAJ leaders are explaining this new advancement program prior to roll-out at Roundtable meetings for Scout leaders of Tokyo Scout Council, and there is some difficulty to understand the advancement program changes fully because of complexity.
Usually a distinctive group emblem or the university logo is worn on the right sleeve or as a neckerchief pattern.
The level itself is signified by a golden hat brush on a deep sky blue background, encircled by a rope annulus, symbolic of the World Scout Emblem.