On Tuesday 3 June 2014, Ambassador Keiichi Hayashi bestowed the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, upon Mr Roger Godsiff, Chair of the British-Japanese Parliamentary Group and Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Hall Green, in recognition of his significant contribution to promoting parliamentary exchanges between Japan and the United Kingdom and for supporting Japanese business in the United Kingdom.

Mr Godsiff has chaired the British-Japanese Parliamentary Group for more than fifteen years.  The Group has held many meetings with its counterpart organisation in Japan and with individual Japanese parliamentarians.

During these meetings, both Japanese and British parliamentarians have been able to deepen their mutual understanding in areas such as politics, public policy, economics, education, and other social issues.  Many Japanese parliamentarians have met Mr Godsiff and gained a lot of knowledge and invaluable advice through these meetings.

Mr Godsiff has made great contributions to help his colleagues in the UK Parliament improve the understanding of Japan’s science technology and culture through the BJPG’s activities.  The activities have included introductory events on Japanese sake and whiskies as well as sushi.  The BJPG has provided Japanese business with a number of opportunities to deepen their understanding of the UK Parliament and to network with British parliamentarians.

The Government of Japan highly appreciates the significant contribution Mr Godsiff has made throughout his career. Mr. Godsiff therefore greatly deserves to be honoured for his outstanding service to Japan-UK relations.

Embassy of Japan