The Nippon Foundation Chairman Awarded Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in First Reiwa Era Decorations

Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, was decorated with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun at the 2019 spring awards ceremony, the first to be held since the ascension of Emperor Naruhito and the commencement of the Reiwa Era on May 1. The Orders of the Rising Sun are Japan’s first award, established in 1875 to recognize politicians and members of the private sector who have made outstanding achievements to society in a variety of fields. This year, Mr. Sasakawa is among eight persons receiving the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun. The awards were conferred by the Emperor at the Imperial Palace on May 23.

As Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, Mr. Sasakawa has been involved in ocean-related affairs and other activities for many years, and also serves as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination and Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar, among other positions. With this award, he is being recognized for his activities in various fields including social welfare.