The Government of Japan has named six Britons in the 2018 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals—among the 140 recipients, including 21 women—for their “outstanding contributions to their respective areas”.
Graham Holbrook Fry KCMG (68) of Cambridge
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun
Contributed to promoting friendly relations and mutual understanding as well as strengthening economic relations between Japan and the UK
• Former Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Japan
• Former member of the board at Eisai Co., Ltd.
• Former member of the Governing Body, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
Alan Spence (70) of Edinburgh
The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
Contributed to developing haiku poetry in the UK and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the United Kingdom
• Poet, author
• Emeritus professor at the University of Aberdeen
• Edinburgh Makar
Kazuo Ishiguro OBE (63) of London
The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star
Contributed to promoting understanding of Japan in the United Kingdom as well as promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the UK
• Novelist
• Nobel Laureate in Literature 2017
Chan Mei Ling Agnes (62) of Hong Kong
The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
Contributed to improving Japan’s international standing and the welfare of children
• Former ambassador of the Japan Committee for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund
• UNICEF regional ambassador for East Asia and Pacific Region
• Singer
Peter Heginbotham OBE (72) of Stockport
The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
Contributed to promoting friendly relations and exchanges between Japan and the UK
• Former Honorary Consul of Japan in Manchester
Jane Mallory Birkin OBE (71) of Paris, France
The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
Contributed to promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchanges between Japan and France
• Singer, actress
