On 5 June 2015, Ambassador Keiichi Hayashi bestowed the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun awarded by the Government of Japan upon Sir Stephen John Gomersall, in recognition of his many years of invaluable contribution to strengthening and developing relations between Japan and the United Kingdom.

In his remarks, Ambassador Hayashi outlined Sir Stephen’s numerous and varied achievements, not only through his many years at the British Embassy in Tokyo, but also through his work since joining the Hitachi Group.

After Sir Stephen joining the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1970, his first foreign assignment was to Japan from 1972 to 1977. He served there again from 1986 to 1990, and then as Ambassador from 1999 to 2004. During this time Sir Stephen played an invaluable role promoting policy dialogue between Japan and the UK, including organising four Prime Ministerial visits and vital work related to the Japan-UK 21st Century Group.

On retirement from the Foreign Service, Sir Stephen took on a new challenge by joining the Hitachi Group in October 2004. After starting as Chief Executive for Europe, he became the first non-Japanese Executive Officer at Hitachi, Ltd. in two years before being appointed Group Chairman for Europe in April 2011. Making the most of his networks and negotiating skills, cultivated through 34 years in diplomacy, Sir Stephen has been actively involved in strengthening Hitachi’s global business operations, especially in the UK, where he has played an important role in Hitachi’s recent involvement in the railway infrastructure and nuclear power sectors.

Ambassador Hayashi concluded his remarks by thanking Sir Stephen for his sterling contribution to UK-Japan relations throughout this career - "In light of his outstanding service, it now gives me great pleasure to present Sir Stephen Gomersall with this very well-deserved Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun. I am sure not only all of you here but also many in Japan and the UK will join me in this celebration."

On 12 June 2015, Ambassador Keiichi Hayashi bestowed the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays awarded by the Government of Japan upon Mr Keisaku Sano, Chairman of the Japan Association in the UK, in recognition of his many years of service to the Japanese community and his outstanding contribution to mutual understanding between Japan and the UK.

In his remarks, Ambassador Hayashi introduced some of Mr Sano’s many achievements both as Chairman of the Japan Association in the UK and previously as Director of the Japan Society of the UK.

Mr Sano has played an integral role in the growth of the Japan Association in the UK since its foundation in 1996, serving as a Council Member, Vice Chairman and subsequently Chairman. Under his leadership, the Association has been a crucial support network for the Japanese community in the UK, assisting those in need as well as working towards greater mutual understanding between Japan and the UK.

Mr Sano has also been instrumental in producing the annual Japan Matsuri festival which was first held in Spitalfields in 2009 and has been a great success. Six years on, the Japan Matsuri attracts over 50,000 visitors, thanks above all to his efforts in eliciting the support of numerous Japanese and British organisations. As Head of the Japanese community supporters group, Mr Sano organised the support for Japanese athletes competing in the 2012 London Olympic & Paralympic Games. Furthermore, as Director of the Japan Society of the UK from 2006 - 2012 Mr Sano has played a vital role in increasing Society membership and promoting mutual understanding through cultural exchange; organising cultural events as well as economic and cultural lectures and seminars. For his achievements, Mr Sano was most deservedly presented with the Japan Society Award in 2012.

Ambassador Hayashi concluded by saying “it gives me great pleasure to present Mr Keisaku Sano with the well-deserved Order of the Rising Sun, Gold & Silver Rays,“ thanking Mr Sano for his invaluable contribution for the Japanese community in the UK.

The Embassy of Japan