2025 Spring Conferment of Decoration - Former US Chair of the US-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON) Sheila A. Smith

On April 29, 2025 (Japan Time), the Government of Japan announced the 2025 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals, with Sheila A. Smith, Former US Chair of the U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON), being one of the recipients. In recognition of her contributions towards promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchanges between Japan and the United States, she will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star.

• DECORATION: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star
• SERVICE: Contributed to promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchanges between Japan and the United States
• NAME: Sheila A. Smith
• MAJOR TITLE: Former US Chair of the U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON)
• ADDRESS (NATIONALITY): Maryland (United States of America)

As U.S. Chair of the U.S.-Japan Council on Cultural and Educational Exchange (CULCON), Dr. Smith led the council’s efforts to promote educational and cultural exchanges between Japan and the U.S. and to nurture the next generation, thereby contributing to people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. As a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), she led research on Japan’s foreign policy, and cultivated public understanding of Japan in the international community. Through these activities, she has made significant contributions to the development of Japan-U.S. relations, including the promotion of mutual understanding.