2017 Spring Conferment of Decoration - Mr. James A. Kelly

On April 29th, 2017 (Japan Time/JST), the Government of Japan announced the foreign recipients of the 2017 Spring Imperial Decorations. Mr. James A. Kelly is among this year’s foreign recipients, and in recognition of his contributions towards strengthening the relationship and friendship between Japan and the United States of America, he will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.

• DECORATION: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
• SERVICE: Strengthening the relationship and friendship between Japan and the United States of America
• NAME : James A. Kelly
• MAJOR TITLE:
  • Former Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs
  • Former President of Pacific Forum CSIS
  • Former Special Assistant to President Reagan for International Security Affairs
• ADDRESS (NATIONALITY): Honolulu, Hawaii (USA)

Mr. Kelly served as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs from 2001 to 2005. As Assistant Secretary of State, Mr. Kelly placed a priority on the stabilization of the Northeast Asian region through cooperation among allies, which thereby contributed to maintaining and strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance. Furthermore, Mr. Kelly is knowledgeable about Japan, and has made significant contributions to strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance as well as promoting the understanding of Japan in the U.S. in his capacity as President of Pacific Forum CSIS and other prestigious positions.