The government of Japan announced on April 29 that Victor J. Dzau, president of the National Academy of Medicine, is being awarded one of its highest honors — the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon — bestowed by the emperor of Japan for Dzau’s contributions to the promotion of academic exchange, global health, and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.  

The Order of the Rising Sun was founded in 1875 by Emperor Meiji and is bestowed to foreigners for significant contributions to Japan. Dzau has actively contributed to the G20 Health Task Force during Japan’s presidency, and has co-led the Japan-U.S. Global Health Dialogue, which brings together government officials, academics and industry leaders from the fields of international health in Japan and the United States. He is also a member of the prestigious Japan Academy, and of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science’s Program Committee of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative in Japan. The initiative brings together global university presidents, Nobel laureates, industry experts, and other prominent leaders to steer Japan’s efforts to become a world-class research center.

Victor J. Dzau (photo by Christopher Michel)“I am proud to contribute to efforts to advance excellence in Japan’s scientific and medical enterprise and help it build lasting connections with the global health community,” said Dzau.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from the Japanese government and look forward to continuing this important work of mutual benefit to both Japan and the U.S.”  

Other spring 2025 recipients of the award include the former Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, and U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty, former U.S. ambassador to Japan.