Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, Kikuta Yutaka, handed over the 2022 Spring Imperial Decoration, Order of Japan (the Order of Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star) to Dr. Kedar Bhakta Mathema, former Ambassador of Nepal to Japan, amid a ceremony in Kathmandu on Thursday.
Dr Mathema received the decoration on April 29, 2022, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and Nepal as an Ambassador, a statement issued by the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu said.
“During his tenure from 1996 to 2003, Dr Mathema accomplished many high-level exchanges from Nepal to Japan. In particular, the visits of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala in 1998 and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev in 2001 were very important in the history of the bilateral relations,” the embassy said in the statement.
Japanese decorations are conferred upon foreigners twice a year, on 29th April and 3rd November, concurrently with the conferment of decorations and medals to Japanese nationals.
“The Order of the Rising Sun is bestowed upon individuals of merit, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the nation or public. This is also conferred upon foreign nationals who have made notable contributions to the promotion of relations between Japan and other countries in areas such as politics and diplomacy, research and education, medicine and social welfare, economy and industry, and culture and sports,” the statement added.
