The Saiseikai Imperial Gift Foundation was created on 11 February 1911 when Emperor Meiji summoned then-Prime Minister Taro Katsura and donated one and a half million yen and commanded the establishment of a foundation to provide for the medical needs of the poor.  Katsura sought donations from benefactors, establishing the Foundation on 30 May 1911. During the 1930s and WWII part of their role was to administer to the welfare and health needs of discharged veterans. 

The Yellow Merit Badge was one of their highest awards and was awarded for significant contributions to the Foundation.