2025 Spring Conferment of Decoration - The Honorable William Francis Hagerty IV

On April 29, 2025 (Japan Time), the Government of Japan announced the 2025 Spring Conferment of Decorations, and its intention to honor Senator William Francis Hagerty IV, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan. In recognition of his contributions towards strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and the United States, he will receive the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

• DECORATION: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun
• SERVICE: Contributions towards strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and the United States
• NAME: William Francis Hagerty IV
• MAJOR TITLE: Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan
• ADDRESS (NATIONALITY): Nashville, Tennessee (United States of America)

During his two-year ambassadorship, Senator Hagerty contributed greatly to the promotion of friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States, utilizing his outstanding negotiation skills and his ability to bring people together. In particular, he successfully led many high-level visits, including the State Visit of President Trump to Japan, and visits of Japanese government officials, including former Prime Minister Abe, to the United States. He also strongly advocated for the need to establish a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and expand cooperation among Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad), and to support the Japanese government's “high-quality infrastructure exports” initiative through regular press conferences and lectures.