Countless institutions, and an even more countless number of individuals, are playing important roles in shaping and giving content to the mosaic of what is Norway’s many-faceted relationship to the world beyond our borders with which were are becoming increasingly interdependent.
As Norway’s Ambassador to Japan, I have the privilege of meeting daily Japanese citizens from all walks of life, be they politicians or civil servants, businessmen or scientists, journalists or actors, musicians or artists, professors or students, tourists or members of our Norway-Japan friendship societies, who not only are interested in Norway, but who are also making their individual and institutional contribution to strengthening the ties between our two countries and peoples.
Their contributions are as inspiring as they are appreciated. They do not go unnoticed. We strive to acknowledge them in different ways.
The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit is one such acknowledgment, a supreme acknowledgment at that. It is conferred upon foreign and Norwegian nationals as a reward for their outstanding service in the interest of Norway. H.M. King Harald is the Grand Master of the Order founded by his father King Olav in 1985. Several prominent Japanese have received this royal decoration in appreciation of their endeavours
On 19 January, I had the great honour and pleasure, on behalf of H.M. King Harald, to bestow upon Mr. Yohei Sasakawa the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, Commander Class at a ceremony at our Embassy in Tokyo for his outstanding service in the interest of Norway.
Mr. Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation and Board Member of the Scandinavian - Japan Sasakawa Foundation, is, indeed, a most deserving recipient of the Order. Norway is very appreciate of the generous donations granted by the Scandinavia-Japan Sasakawa Foundation over many years, more than a quarter of a Century, directly to institutions such Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim and the University of Oslo, donations in support of the many projects, more than a thousand in number, promoting Norwegian research, especially in the fields of science, technology and culture. Funds from the Foundation have made a positive and encouraging difference in the lives many Norwegians. Mr. Sasakawa’s contribution to cementing and further developing the excellent relations between our countries and people is extraordinary.
The activities of Mr Sasakawa and the Foundation extend beyond Norway. Over the course of the last year, also the other Nordic Countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden – have acknowledged Mr Sasakawa’s service in the interests of their countries by conferring upon him corresponding decorations.
And Mr. Sasakawa’s activities extend beyond the Nordic countries to Africa and elsewhere. He is World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for the elimination of Leprosy. We salute Mr. Sasakawa, a Japanese national, a good friend of Norway and, indeed, a concerned global citizen.