Inouye Receives High Honor from Japan

By Wendy Osher

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, file photo by Wendy Osher.

U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawai’i received a high national honor over the weekend from the Government of Japan.  The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers was issued to the Senator as part of the government’s 2011 Spring Imperial Decorations.

The award recognizes Sen. Inouye’s contributions to the enhancement of goodwill and understanding between Japan and the U.S.

The Paulownia Flower award is the highest level of National Orders for individuals outside of Japan.  Sen. Inouye is the 7th American recipient of the award, and the first foreigner of Japanese descent to receive the honor.

In 1999, Sen. Inouye was presented with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, recognizing him for contributions in enhancing the Japan-U.S. relationship as a pioneer in Congress.

As the most senior member of the U.S. Senate, Sen. Inouye is third in line for Presidential succession. He currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.