TOKYO, May 09 (News On Japan) –
The “Spring Conferment” ceremony for the Grand Cordon was held on the Imperial Palace, the place His Majesty the Emperor personally handed medals to the recipients.
The ceremony came about within the “Matsu no Ma” (Pine Room) of the Imperial Palace, beginning at 10:30 AM on the ninth.
His Majesty the Emperor introduced the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to former Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Hirano, who served beneath the Democratic Party authorities, and the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure to former Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda, amongst others.
Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Naoto Otani, who obtained the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, spoke on behalf of the 13 awardees, expressing their gratitude. His Majesty the Emperor acknowledged their contributions, stating, “I deeply appreciate the years of dedicated service you have rendered to the nation and society, and to the people.”
Source: ANN