Japanese Decoration Conferred on Author Kazuo Ishiguro

September 13, 2018

London- An award ceremony was held in London on Wednesday to bestow the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star on Japanese-born British author Kazuo Ishiguro.

The winner of the 2017 Noble Prize in Literature, who won the Japanese order this spring, said at the ceremony that he has long wanted to become the bridge of friendship between Japan and Britain.

Ishiguro, 63, who moved to Britain at the age of 5, also said the order he received is different from any other great honor, adding that it arouses a special feeling inside him.

The ceremony, held at the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Britain, was attended by almost 20 people, including his family members, friends and people involved in publishing.

Looking back on his childhood, Ishiguro noted that World War II had overshadowed the friendship between the two countries. One of the biggest satisfactions in his life is that the shadow has diminished gradually and disappeared, he said.

Ishiguro is known for his best-selling books, including "Never Let Me Go" and "The Remains of the Day." Before the ceremony, he told reporters that he feels very sad about the cancellation of this year's Nobel Prize in Literature. Jiji Press