1 May 2012

On 29th April 2012, the Government of Japan announced the 2012 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals.

The Rt Hon Sir John Major, KG CH is conferred with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in recognition of his invaluable contribution to Anglo-Japanese relations through his work not only in the political and economic arena but also in promoting mutual understanding.

Sir John Major became prime minister in 1990 and served in that capacity until 1997 after holding several vital posts in the previous cabinet such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. As prime minister, he visited Japan in July 1993 for the G7 summit in Tokyo. In September of that year, he returned to Japan on an official visit.

Through much of his political career and more recently following his retirement as a Member of Parliament, Sir John has placed priority on nurturing relations with Japan and has played an important role in the steady development of closer bilateral ties in many fields.

Sir John will be travelling to Japan next week, to receive this decoration from His Majesty The Emperor of Japan at the Imperial Palace on Tuesday, 8th May.