Japan to recognize 4,151 people in Spring Honors

April 29, 2018

Tokyo- The Japanese government said Sunday that a total of 4,151 people, including former Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura, will receive decorations in this year's spring honors.

The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun will go to 16 people, including Komura, 76, the current vice president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, and Tatsuo Kawabata, 73, former vice speaker of the House of Representatives.

In the art and culture sector, comedian and movie director Takeshi Kitano, 71, and shogi player Hifumi Kato, 78, are among those who will be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.

Fully 140 foreigners from 62 countries and regions will also receive honors.

Madeleine Albright, 80, former U.S. secretary of state, and John McCain, 81, chairman of the US Senate Committee on Armed Services, will receive the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

Kazuo Ishiguro, 63, the winner of the 2017 Noble Prize in Literature, will be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star. Jiji Press