TOKYO: His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun by Emperor Naruhito of Japan in an official ceremony held at the Matsuo-Doma (State Hall) of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Tuesday morning. The decoration is the highest class of the Order and represents Japan’s first national honor.
Established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji, the Order of the Rising Sun was formally decreed by the Japanese Council of State on April 10 of that year. Its emblem, featuring rays emanating from the rising sun, reflects Japan’s national symbol. The Order recognizes individuals for exceptional achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their professional fields, or contributions to social welfare, environmental conservation, and other areas of public service.
While the Order has been awarded to non-Japanese since 1981, it was previously conferred on foreign recipients before World War II. Women became eligible for the Order in 2003; prior to that, they were honored with the Order of the Precious Crown. Administered by the Decorations Office under the Prime Minister’s Office, the Order is awarded in the name of the Emperor and may be granted posthumously. The Grand Cordon, the highest class of the Order, has been conferred on numerous global leaders and figures who have significantly strengthened international relations. — KUNA
