Overview
- Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba presented the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to Senior Minister Lee in Tokyo on Aug. 25 following a meeting and luncheon.
- Japan stated the Emperor conferred the decoration for Lee’s achievements in advancing Japan–Singapore cooperation during his two decades as prime minister.
- Both sides reaffirmed intentions to strengthen ties and to work together in support of a free, rules-based international order.
- Lee said he was deeply humbled, accepted the award on behalf of generations of Singaporeans, and pledged to remain a reliable partner to Japan.
- The visit coincided with Singapore’s National Day event at Expo 2025 in Osaka, and Japanese dignitaries including Yoshimasa Hayashi, Fumio Kishida and Taro Kono attended the ceremony.