The Government of Japan yesterday awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, one of the Japan’s highest honors bestowed by the Emperor of Japan, to His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to fostering and deepening the bonds of friendship between Kuwait and Japan.

In a statement issued by Kurihara Rei, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Kuwait, it was noted that “His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed has made exceptional contributions over the years to the development, consolidation, and expansion of Kuwaiti-Japanese relations through his various capacities—as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Head of the Amiri Diwan, and later as Prime Minister.”

The statement recalled that in 1990, during the Gulf War, His Highness visited Japan as a representative of the Amir of Kuwait to seek Japan’s support. This diplomatic mission resulted in Japan providing $13.5 billion in assistance and deploying the Japanese Self-Defense Forces overseas for the first time, laying the foundation for a lasting relationship of mutual trust between the two nations.

As Head of the Amiri Diwan, Sheikh Nasser played a key role in organizing the visit of the Japanese Crown Prince and his consort (at the time) to Kuwait, as well as facilitating the official visit of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to Japan in 1995, which further strengthened the ties between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Kuwaiti ruling family.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Sheikh Nasser worked diligently to enhance economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, notably through the establishment of a joint Kuwaiti-Japanese committee and the signing of a bilateral tax agreement, which broadened collaboration beyond the traditional oil sector.

Even after leaving office, His Highness maintained close relations with the Japanese Imperial Family, fostering a mutual bond of respect and trust spanning two generations, and continuing to play an influential role in advancing Kuwaiti-Japanese friendship.

The statement concluded: “In recognition of these remarkable achievements and his lifelong dedication to strengthening the partnership between Japan and Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has been awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.”