The award was presented at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on November 10 during Japan's autumn 2026 honors ceremony.

Emperor Naruhito personally conferred decorations on 13 recipients, including two foreign nationals, with former Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receiving the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

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Emperor Naruhito presents the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to former Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Photo: VNA


According to Japanese media, the Emperor expressed his deepest gratitude to the honorees for their many years of dedication to their duties and service to their country, society and people.

He also spoke individually with each recipient.

Masayuki Oku, former chairman of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, delivered remarks on behalf of the award recipients.

The Japanese Embassy in Vietnam said Pham Minh Chinh played a significant role in elevating Japan-Vietnam relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023 during his tenure as prime minister.

He also worked to advance and accelerate bilateral cooperation projects, helping translate the upgraded diplomatic framework into tangible results.

In particular, three dialogue sessions with Japanese businesses chaired by Pham Minh Chinh between March 2025 and March 2026 helped identify solutions and make progress in addressing difficulties and obstacles facing Japanese enterprises.

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Emperor Naruhito congratulates former Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Photo: Kyodo News

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Former Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and fellow decoration recipients pose for a commemorative photograph at Japan's Imperial Palace. Photo: VNA


Five other Vietnamese nationals were also recognized in Japan's autumn 2026 honors.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star.

Professor Dao Xuan Hoc, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, former Rector of Thuyloi University and Chairman of the Board of the Japanese International School, was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.

Professor Ho Tu Bao, formerly of the School of Knowledge Science at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) and a professor at the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM), received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.

Associate Professor Nguyen Van Hao, former Director of the Vietnam-Japan Human Resources Cooperation Center (VJCC) and former Head of the Japanese Language Faculty at Foreign Trade University, was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.

People's Artist Le Khanh, whose full name is Tran Mai Khanh and who formerly served as Deputy Director of the Vietnam Youth Theatre, received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.

Tran Thuong