KUWAIT, Nov 12 (KUNA) -- The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, conferred by Emperor Naruhito of Japan upon His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, represents Japan's highest national decoration.
The decoration ceremony took place yesterday, Tuesday, at the Matsu-no-Ma State Hall of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
The Order of the Rising Sun was established by Emperor Meiji in 1875 as the first national order to be awarded by the Japanese government.
The order was formally instituted on April 10 of that year under a decree of the Japanese Council of State.
The insignia of the order depicts rays of sunlight radiating from the rising sun, symbolizing Japan.
It is conferred upon individuals who have achieved distinguished accomplishments in international relations, the promotion of Japanese culture, or advancement in their respective fields.
It also recognizes contributions to social and professional prosperity or environmental preservation.
The modern version of the order has been awarded to non-Japanese recipients since 1981, although several foreigners received it before World War II.
Women became eligible for the order in 2003, having previously been awarded the Order of the Precious Crown.
The Order of the Rising Sun is administered by the Decorations Bureau under the Cabinet Office and is conferred in the name of the Emperor, and may also be awarded posthumously.
The order comprises eight classes, the highest being the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.
This prestigious class has been presented to numerous international figures who played significant roles in strengthening international relations, including former US Vice President Dick Cheney, former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Other notable recipients include former Australian Prime Ministers Tony Abbott, Bob Hawke, Julia Gillard, John Howard, and Malcolm Fraser, former British Prime Minister Sir John Major, former Singaporean leaders Lee Kuan Yew and Lee Hsien Loong, former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, and former US officials Condoleezza Rice, Donald Rumsfeld, and Nancy Pelosi. (end) aai