IAA Professor Keimi Harada, PhD Architect and Former Mayor of Minato City, Tokyo was awarded the Order of Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, by the Emperor and Japanese Government for the contribution of local policy, on the Cultural Day, November 3rd.
The Order of the Rising Sun is a Japanese order, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. The Order was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government created on 10 April 1875 by decree of the Council of State. The badge features rays of sunlight from the rising sun. The design of the Rising Sun symbolizes energy as powerful as the rising sun in parallel with the “rising sun” concept of Japan (“Land of the Rising Sun”).
The order is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment. While it is the third highest order bestowed by the Japanese government, it is however generally the highest ordinarily conferred order. The awarding of the Order is administered by the Decoration Bureau of the Cabinet Office headed by the Japanese Prime Minister. It is awarded in the name of the Emperor and can be awarded posthumously.