JapanX

Former UNU (United Nations University) Rector Prof. Hans van Ginkel has been awarded with 1st class rising sun order in 2007. The award recognises Prof. van Ginkel's contributions to culture and education.

Dr. Peter Berton

And now Dr. Peter Berton, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of International Relations, University of Southern California. He was awarded with the 3rdclass of rising sun order on November 3, 2010. Professor Peter Berton was born in 1922 in Bialystok, Poland. At age six, he and his family moved to Harbin, China. After college, he went to Japan to study the violin with the world-renowned Alexander Moguilevsky and lived there for a number of years. During that time, he became fascinated with Japanese language and culture. In 1950, he pursued graduate studies at the East Asian Institute, Columbia University. Professor Berton started the Asia-Pacific area studies program at the USC School of International Relations in 1962, and continued as coordinator for the next thirty years. He also developed the University’s first lecture course on Japan. A prolific writer, he authored works on Japanese politics and foreign policy, Japanese international negotiation style, Japanese socio-cultural and psychological characteristics, and the territorial dispute between Japan and Russia.

Dr. Norman P. Neureiter

And now Dr. Norman P. Neureiter, a board member of Asia Policy Point and Senior Advisor for two Centers at the American Association for the advancement of Science (AAAS). He was awarded with 2nd class of rising sun order on November 5, 2010. There was a reception honoring him on October 24th at the residence of the Japanese Ambassador in Washington (where the picture was made). He was honored for his many years of working to advance U.S.-Japan relations and science cooperation.

3rd class close up

Shortly after (only rosette)

Awarding

Now let’s turn our attention to academicals. Please welcome St. Petersburg University Professor M.N. Bogolubov. Holder of 3rd class rising sun order (December 2, 2009). “For achievements in Japanese language studies and teaching”

During celebration

With order and document

And another karateka, but this time straight from Japan - Sensei Shugoro Nakazato. He was awarded 5th class of rising sun order November 4, 2007.

Document

Order close up (with modern style rosette you can upgrade yours 5th class to 4th class in a second )

With document

With order

Our next hero is Scottish karateka. Mr. Ronald Watt, Aberdeen, 8th Dan WKC (World Karate Confederation), has been awarded 5th class of the Rising Sun order (25th May 2010).

Adm. Patrick M. Walsh

And another sailor, but this time top brass sailor. Adm. Masahiko Sugimoto, Chief of staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, presents (January 11, 2012!) Adm. Patrick M. Walsh, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, with the Grand Cordon of the Order of Rising Sun. Grand Gordon was awarded by the government of Japan for his service as the U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander. At last we have photo of the document with Akihito signature!

Capt. Tilghman D. Payne

Next will be former commanding officer of U.S. Fleet Activities in Sasebo, Japan Navy Capt. Tilghman D. Payne awarded with 3rd class of rising sun order in 2008. The reason behind the awarding “his work in building relationships between United States and Japanese Forces”. received the award from Japan's Chief of Maritime Self-Defense Forces Adm. Keiji Akahoshi in Washington.

different DVDs covers

But even better film (from my subjective point of view) will be “Tarus”. Set in 1923 in the newly created USSR, state founder Lenin (Leonid Mozgovoy) is convalescing from a stroke at age 51 in his dacha. Surrounded by watchful guards, a live-in doctor, his wife, and his sister, this formerly titanic figure lives as a virtual prisoner after the deterioration of his health… This one simply a masterpiece...

different DVDs covers

“The Sun” is about the last days of Emperor Hirohito's (Issey Ogata) reign. Shot in 35 millimeter in the filmmaker's preferred brackish tones, “The Sun” traces Hirohito as he wanders about his compound engaged in meaningless rituals and surrounded by minders who are as much his guards as his servants… Very good movie.