Asia Society Policy Institute Vice President Daniel Russel Receives Prestigious Order of the Rising Sun Honor from the Japanese Government

May 2, 2024 — The government of Japan has awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon to Daniel Russel, Vice President, International Security and Diplomacy at Asia Society Policy Institute, for contributions to promoting cooperation between the United States and Japan in the field of diplomacy. This honor is awarded to non-Japanese citizens who have “distinguished achievements in their field of endeavor.” It is one of the highest honors the Nation of Japan can bestow upon an individual. 

“My diplomatic career began with an assignment to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo serving as assistant to then-Ambassador Mike Mansfield and I have worked to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations both in government and at the Asia Society,” Russel said. “I am humbled and grateful that the government of Japan has honored me with this recognition.”

Prior to joining the Asia Society Policy Institute, Russel had a career in the Foreign Service of the United States, serving in Japan as an American diplomat for a total of seven years. He was subsequently responsible for U.S.-Japan policy first as Director of the Office of Japanese Affairs in the Department of State, then as Senior Director and Assistant to the President for East Asia, and finally as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs. Russel’s connection with Japan began after college when he spent three years there studying Aikido, a Japanese martial art.