On 17 June 2014, Ambassador Keiichi Hayashi bestowed the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon upon Ms Janet Hunter, Saji Professor of LSE, in recognition of her significant contribution to deepening and developing Japanese Studies, and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the United Kingdom.

A reception was held after the ceremony and was co-hosted with Suntory Holdings Limited and Toyota PLC, as Professor Hunter belongs to The Suntory and Toyota International Centres for Economics and Related Disciplines (STICERD).

Professor Hunter has served on the board of the British Association for Japanese Studies for a number of years, and has contributed by promoting not only Japanese studies in the United Kingdom, but also by promoting understanding of Japan at a number of academic societies and study groups. She has also played a significant role in the development and promotion of Japanese studies outside of her specific field, including serving as Chair and Deputy Director of The Suntory and Toyota International Centres for Economics and Related Disciplines (STICERD).

The Government of Japan highly appreciates the significant contribution Professor Hunter has made throughout her professional life. Professor Hunter therefore well deserves to be honoured for her outstanding contribution to Japan-UK relations.

Embassy of Japan