News Summary
Henry G. Cisneros, former Mayor of San Antonio and Secretary of HUD, has been honored with Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun with Golden Rays for his contributions to Texas-Japan relations. The award highlights Cisneros’s role in establishing cultural and economic connections, as well as his work with the Shirane Foundation. The recognition emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and will be formally awarded in a ceremony later this year.
San Antonio – Henry G. Cisneros, the former Mayor of San Antonio and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton, will receive Japan’s prestigious Order of the Rising Sun with Golden Rays. This honor, awarded by Japanese Emperor Naruhito, recognizes Cisneros for his significant contributions to enhancing relations between Texas and Japan.
The announcement was made by Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Iwaya Takeshi, during an official statement delivered by the Consul-General of Japan in Houston, Zentaro Naganuma, on April 29.
Cisneros has been a key figure in establishing cultural and economic connections between Japan and San Antonio. His notable achievements include initiating a sister city agreement with Kumamoto City in 1987, which has fostered ongoing collaborations between the two cities. Currently, Cisneros serves as Chairman of the Shirane Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships that enable American students to study in Japan.
The honor reflects not only Cisneros’s personal achievements but also the mutual respect and outreach that he has fostered between the two nations. His work has been pivotal in promoting understanding and cooperation within the realms of culture and business.
The Order of the Rising Sun, which was established in 1875 during the reign of Emperor Meiji, stands as one of Japan’s highest distinctions conferred upon foreigners. It recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the promotion of culture, sports, or diplomatic relations. Previous American recipients of this honor include notable figures such as Senator John D. Rockefeller IV, Senator Mazie Hirono, and Carol Bellamy, who has been involved with the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund.
During his time as mayor of San Antonio from the 1980s, Cisneros worked tirelessly to strengthen Texas-Japanese relations through various initiatives. These efforts have had lasting impacts, linking communities across the Pacific and creating opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual growth.
Baroness Naoka Shirane, a member of one of Japan’s oldest noble families, played a crucial role in fostering the connection between Texas and Japan and was a close friend of Cisneros. Her influence and efforts in cultural exchanges have contributed significantly to the ongoing relationship between the two regions.
The recognition of Cisneros by the Japanese government emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and the cultural ties that can be forged through individual efforts. As Cisneros prepares to accept the Order of the Rising Sun, this honor underlines the essential role of effective leadership in promoting dialogue and understanding between different cultures.
The formal ceremony for the awarding of the Order is expected to take place later this year, adding a significant accolade to Cisneros’s distinguished career. The recognition not only celebrates his specific contributions but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of international relationships in today’s global society.
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Additional Resources
- CultureMap San Antonio: Henry Cisneros to receive Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun
- Wikipedia: Henry Cisneros
- The Texas Bucket List: Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio
- Google Search: Japanese Tea Garden San Antonio
- Express News: Koi Japanese Tea Garden San Antonio
- Google Scholar: Japanese Tea Garden San Antonio
- Army Recognition: USS San Diego Heads to Japan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: USS San Diego
- Torque News: Reliability of Japanese Cars
- Google News: Japanese Car Reliability
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
