2025 Spring Conferment of Decoration - Professor of Politics in the Department of Politics at the University of Virginia Leonard J. Schoppa, Jr.

On April 29, 2025 (Japan Time), the Government of Japan announced the 2025 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals, with Leonard J. Schoppa, Jr., Professor of Politics in the Department of Politics at the University of Virginia, being one of the recipients. In recognition of his contributions to promoting academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States, 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: Contributed to promoting academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States
• NAME: Leonard J. Schoppa, Jr.
• MAJOR TITLE: Professor of Politics in the Department of Politics at the University of Virginia
• ADDRESS (NATIONALITY): Virginia (United States of America)

Professor Schoppa has consistently dedicated himself to the study of Japanese politics from his student days to the present. As a leading authority in the development and testing of various theories on the impact of "external pressure (gaiatsu)" in Japan’s policy-making process, he has served as a key expert in Japan-U.S. relations and contributed significantly to the building and strengthening of the ties between Japan and the U.S.

For over 30 years, he has been a faculty member at the University of Virginia, actively engaging, not only in research, but also in mentoring the next generation of scholars. In addition, he has played a leadership role in institutions that promote Japan-U.S. intellectual and academic exchange, such as the U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON) and the Japan Foundation’s American Advisory Committee (AAC).