NSF director Arden Bement awarded Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star

Today in Tokyo, the government of Japan awarded Arden L. Bement, Jr., director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, its second-highest-ranked award available to foreigners. He received this honor for his meritorious contribution to promoting cooperation and understanding between the United States and Japan in the science and technology field.

“I would like to extend my wholehearted congratulations on the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star upon Dr. Arden Bement,” said Ichiro Fujisaki, Japanese ambassador to the United States. “Dr. Bement has been a true partner to us in promoting the cooperation between the United States and Japan in the science and technology field, and the conferment of this prestigious award highlights his tremendous contribution. I am personally delighted to hear of the wonderful news and sincerely hope he will continue to enjoy great success.”

Japanese Government Orders are awarded twice a year, and foreign recipients are selected from those who have made outstanding contributions to building good relationships with Japan. There are different levels of Orders (noted below).

Bement is the only American among eight foreign citizens and 53 Japanese citizens in the April 29, 2009, class of recipients of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star. He is also the first NSF director to be honored with the order. (Rita Colwell received the order in fall of 2005 after leaving the post of NSF director.)

Motoyuki Ono, president of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), nominated Bement, along with European Research Commission Secretary-General Ernst-Ludwig Winnacker, for the Order to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEXT). MEXT subsequently recommended both nominees to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). After review, MOFA nominated Bement and Winnacker to the Cabinet Office. After another round of review at the Cabinet Office, a decision was made to bestow the Order to both Bement and Winnacke.

Bement and other recipients of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star attended an award ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The Order was presented by Prime Minister Taro Aso, followed by an audience with the Emperor.

Supreme Orders of the Chrysanthemum

Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers Orders of the Rising Sun — Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun — The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star — The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon *

Orders of the Sacred Treasure Order of Culture Orders of the Precious Crown Medals of Honour

*To simplify, several Order of the Rising Sun distinctions that fall below these have been omitted from this list.