Floyd Mori, a retired Japanese-American politician, was decorated by Japan last autumn for his decades-long contributions to deepening bilateral relations.
"My parents passed away a few years ago. They would've been very proud that the country of their birth has honored me," the 74-year-old former head of the Japanese American Citizens League said as he choked up during a March ceremony held at the residence of the Japanese ambassador to the United States.
The Japanese government gave Mori the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, in recognition of his contributions to improving the status of Japanese-Americans and promoting Japanese culture in the U.S., as well as strengthening economic relations between the two nations.