2025 Spring Conferment of Decoration - Chair of the National Association of Japan-America Societies Kurt Walter Tong

On April 29, 2025 (Japan Time), the Government of Japan announced the 2025 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals, with Kurt Walter Tong, Chair of the National Association of Japan-America Societies, being one of the recipients. In recognition of his contributions towards promoting economic cooperation and the relationship 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 economic cooperation and the relationship between Japan and the United States
• NAME: Kurt Walter Tong
• MAJOR TITLE:
  • Former Ambassador for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
  • Former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs of the State Department
  • Chair of the National Association of Japan-America Societies
• ADDRESS (NATIONALITY): Washington, D.C. (United States of America)

Ambassador Tong has played a pivotal role in advancing cooperative relations between Japan and the United States throughout his distinguished 29-year career at the U.S. Department of State. He has held numerous key positions, including Ambassador for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Japan, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs. In these capacities, he made significant contributions to the enhancement of bilateral economic cooperation. Even after his retirement from the government, Ambassador Tong has continued to foster mutual understanding at the grassroots level through his leadership as Chair of the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS), thereby further strengthening bilateral relations.