2026 Autumn Conferment of Decoration - 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao

On November 3, 2026 (Japan Time), the Government of Japan announced the 2026 Autumn Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals, with Elaine L. Chao, 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation, being one of the recipients. In recognition of her contributions to promoting cooperation and collaboration between Japan and the United States of America in the area of transportation, she will receive the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

• DECORATION: The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun
• SERVICE: Contributed to promoting cooperation and collaboration between Japan and the United States of America in the area of transportation
• NAME: Elaine L. Chao
• MAJOR TITLE: 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation
• ADDRESS (NATIONALITY): Washington, D.C. (United States of America)

Ms. Chao served as the 18th Secretary of Transportation from 2017 to 2021, where she played a pivotal part in strengthening the Japan-U.S. relationship. She demonstrated strong leadership in realizing initiatives such as the signing of a memorandum of cooperation on transportation between the two nations, the introduction of Japanese high-speed rail technology to the United States, and the enhancement of bilateral ties in the aviation sector. Furthermore, she has made significant contributions to bolstering the Japan-U.S. relationship through various opportunities, including attending the Ceremony of the Enthronement of the Emperor as the U.S. representative.