On April 10 in Tokyo during his official working visit to Japan, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto awarded the Order of the Aztec Eagle to three Japanese figures: former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata; Hirofumi Nakasone, chairman of the Japan-Mexico Parliamentarians' Friendship League; and Takashi Yamanouchi, representative director, chairman of the board, president and CEO of Mazda Motor Corp.
The Order of the Aztec Eagle, which was created in 1933, is the highest honor granted by Mexico to nationals of other countries. At the center of the award is the golden eagle, symbol of the ancient Aztec empire and of modern Mexico.
During the award ceremony held at the Mexican Embassy, President Pena Nieto expressed his appreciation for the global contributions and achievements of the three honorees.