Japan confers Order of the Rising Sun to senior official

The Government of Japan recently conferred Brunei’s Permanent Secretary and Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star decoration in recognition of his contribution towards strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Brunei and Japan.

Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Nor Haji Jeludin received one of Japan’s highest honours from the Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Eiji Yamamoto in a ceremony held at the Japanese embassy in Kiulap.

The Order of the Rising Sun was established in 1875 as Japan’s first national decoration and is a prestigious Order that honours people in Japan and abroad who have made outstanding achievements in various fields of society.

Permanent Secretary and Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Nor Haji Jeludin (L) receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star decoration from Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Eiji Yamamoto in a ceremony held at the Japanese embassy in Kiulap. Image: Analisa Amu

The order is awarded in the name of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, Japanese culture promotion, advancements in their field, development in welfare, or preservation of the environment.

The ambassador in his remarks at the ceremony commended Dato Haji Mohd Nor’s commitment in fostering the good relations shared between both countries through numerous high-level visits during his tenure as Brunei’s Ambassador to Japan from 2003 to 2005.

The visits include His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s trip to Japan in December 2003 and in September 2004, when His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito who was at that time the Imperial Crown Prince, attended the wedding of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.

Permanent Secretary and Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Nor Haji Jeludin (L) shakes hand after receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star decoration from Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Eiji Yamamoto in a ceremony held at the Japanese embassy in Kiulap. Image: Analisa Amu

Dato Haji Mohd Nor also contributed to the celebration of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brunei and Japan in the same year.

Another memorable and recent visit was when His Majesty the Sultan attended the enthronement ceremony of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito in 2019.

The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star decoration. Image: Analisa Amu

The presence of His Majesty the Sultan at the event attracted great attention as the longest-reigning head of state among international guests and Dato Haji Mohd Nor greatly contributed to making the historic visit which further strengthens Brunei-Japan relations.

Dato Haji Mohd Nor was one of the first Bruneians to participate in the Japanese Language Programme for Foreign-Service Officers organised by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1984.

Prior to receiving the decoration, the Permanent Secretary and Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Nor Haji Jeludin was presented a frame containing the conferment letter. Image: Analisa Amu

The permanent secretary’s new milestone was witnessed by his family members and friends as well as the foreign envoy’s team at the Japanese embassy.

The Order of the Rising Sun features rays of sunlight radiating from the rising sun while the attachments are shaped into paulownia flowers and leaves.

Permanent Secretary and Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Nor Haji Jeludin delivering his remarks expressing his appreciation on the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star decoration from the Government of Japan. Image: Analisa Amu

The Order of the Rising Sun comprises Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun; The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star; The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon; The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette; The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays; and The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays.

Permanent Secretary and Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Nor Haji Jeludin (2nd L) in a group photo with the Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Eiji Yamamoto along with their spouses. Image: Analisa Amu

Permanent Secretary and Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Nor Haji Jeludin (5th L) and his family members in a group photo with the Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Eiji Yamamoto and spouse. Image: Analisa Amu

The Bruneian | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

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