2026 Spring Conferment of Decoration - Former Senior Director at the National Security Council and Special Assistant to the President for Asia Torkel Lloyd Patterson

On April 29, 2026 (Japan Time), the Government of Japan announced the 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals, with Torkel Lloyd Patterson, Former Senior Director at the National Security Council and Special Assistant to the President for Asia, being one of the recipients. In recognition of his contributions towards promoting security cooperation 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 security cooperation between Japan and the United States
• NAME: Torkel Lloyd Patterson
• MAJOR TITLE: Former Senior Director at the National Security Council and Special Assistant to the President for Asia
• ADDRESS (NATIONALITY): Hawaii (United States of America)

Mr. Torkel Lloyd Patterson served during the administration of President George W. Bush as Senior Director and Special Assistant to the President for Asia at the National Security Council (NSC), contributing to the strengthening of the Japan–U.S. alliance. During the Bush administration, Japan–U.S. relations deepened further through his dedicated efforts, building on the foundation of trust between the two leaders. In the field of security, he played an important role in coordinating policy between the two countries, making significant contributions to enhancing practical cooperation and further deepening the alliance.