Japan confers highest award on Sen. Zubiri

The government of Japan has conferred the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun on Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri the highest award given by Japan to a foreign national.

- By HANNAH L. TORREGOZA

Zubiri received the award conferred on him by Emperor Naruhito during the Ceremony of Imperial Conferment of Decoration Investiture last Nov. 11, 2025 at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan.

“I accept the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from the Government of Japan with deep gratitude and humility, and I take it as a recognition of the deep friendship between our two nations more than the efforts of one individual," Zubiri expressed after receiving the distinction. "We also understand that with an award of this stature comes a higher bar for accountability, and we intend to meet that bar by being even more careful, open and consistent in explaining how our work with Japan serves our people."

The citation was read by newly minted Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Zubiri said he is both humbled and honored to receive such an award, saying it comes as a challenge for him to work even harder to strengthen Philippines-Japan bilateral relations.

Also during the conferment, the Emperor took the opportunity to express his deepest sympathy to the families and communities affected by Typhoons Tino and Uwan in the Philippines.