Conferral of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon upon Mr. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, former U.S. Senator and the honorary doctorate of Meiji University
The Government of Japan has announced the 59 recipients of foreign recipients of the 2011 Spring Imperial Decorations. Ben Night Horse Campbell, former U.S. Senator, former President of the Northern California Judo Association Congress and honorary doctorate Meiji received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.
Mr. Ben Nighthorse Campbell's award is in recognition of his significant contribution in the promotions and mutual understanding between Japan, the United States. The 2011 Spring Imperial Decorations was postponed due to earthquake. The 2011 Spring Imperial Decorations was issued after the Cabinet decision as dated April 29.
Mr. Campbell, now 78 years living in Ignacio city, Colorado, attended Meiji University Judo Club (Mr. Setsuo Sugata, Grand Master, Nine-Dan) where he studied Judo in earnest from 1960 to 1964. He went on to represent the United States in the 1964 Olympic Games held in Tokyo. After returning home, besides contributing to the spread of Japanese culture acquired through Judo at the Meiji University and commercialized American Indian jewelry with pride, and made great success.
In 1982, he was elected to Congress in Colorado. Subsequent federal congressman, a senator and 22 years of political activity, the Federal Senate's first Native American as well as efforts to improve their living status and, as a better understanding between Japan's Meiji-loving Japanese Culture people supporting their interaction.
In addition, the honorary doctorate of the University, November 14, 1996 in the Senate after his tenure, and was given in honor of these achievements.
