New Zealander receives Japanese Rising Sun Order

[JPL]

Being awarded the prestigious Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays decoration for promoting Japan-New Zealand relations was the "icing on the cake" after more than 30 years' involvement with Japanese people, Wanaka man Russell Duff. He understood only two or three other New Zealanders had been awarded the decoration.

Mr Duff developed an interest in Japan more than 30 years ago when he hosted Japanese tour groups in Otago. He has since had a strong involvement in promoting Japan as a tourist destination for New Zealanders and has assisted with receiving inbound tour groups from Japan.

Read the complete article: http://www.odt.co.nz/regions/central-otago/174614/top-japan-award-icing-cake

Jean-Paul

[Dieter3]

Very cool! Thanks for posting. I'm glad they included a picture of him wearing the medal.