The government has praised actor Ryotaro Sugi for fostering friendship between Japan and Vietnam as well as other Southeast Asian countries, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Tuesday.

"His grass-roots charitable activities have made great contributions to cultural exchanges and promotions between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations," Suga said.

Sugi, 69, is known for his dedication to building schools at his own expense and adopting orphans in Vietnam.

He has acted as a goodwill ambassador to Vietnam for nearly a decade and took an active role last year in celebrating the 40th anniversary of friendship between Japan and the 10-member ASEAN.