“Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun” which started in 1875, is awarded by the Government of Japan to those who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, promoting Japanese culture in an international setting, advancement in their specific fields, excellence in social work or environmental work. His Majesty, the Emperor and PM Abe conferred on Former Ambassador Dr. Aftab Seth, the highest decoration of Japan, “The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun” in Tokyo on 5th November, 2015. The celebration of the event took place at the Embassy of Japan in India on 17th March 2016, hosted by Ambassador Keiji Hiramatsu and Mrs Patricia Hiramatsu.

Ambassador Hiramatsu, speaking on the occasion, mentioned Dr. Seth’s contributions to Japan-India relations over half a century; his student days when he learned about the life of ordinary Japanese, bathing with them in public baths, eating their food and staying with them to his laying the foundations at the beginning of this century of the new strategic relations that have grown in the last 15 years. Ambassador Hiramatsu further stated that because of Ambassador Seth’s efforts in Japan with all classes of Japanese, he was able to get sanctions lifted imposed after the 1998 nuclear tests. This led to the visit of PM Vajpayee to Japan in December 2001 . He mentioned about the encouraging book written by Dr. Seth in 2001 which was widely praised by the Japanese including PM Koizumi and Tokyo Governor, Ishihara. After retirement Dr. Seth headed the Global Security Research Institute at Keio University and linked Keio to top Indian Universities. He appreciated Dr. Seth’s leadership role at Global Indian International School in Tokyo which is serving the Indian and Japanese community. He also mentioned the founding of the Japan India Partnership Forum by Dr. Seth which has brought eminent leaders and thinkers to Japan from India. Another notable Indian, Mr. Ratan Tata got this award four years ago. The Government of Japan granted Former Ambassador Dr. Aftab Seth and his wife the right of permanent residence in Japan because of his special contributions in strengthening The Japan-India relationships.