Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts to receive one of Japan’s highest honors

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The government of Japan will be bestowing Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts with a prestigious award next week.

Japanese officials will honor Ricketts with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, for his work in strengthening the relationship between Nebraska and Japan.

Wednesday’s presentation will be held at the Imperial Palace, according to a press release.

The award is one of the nation’s oldest decorations and one of the highest honors, the press release said.

“Nebraska has a long-established friendship with Japan,” Ricketts said in the release.  “I have appreciated the hospitality, kindness, and partnership of Japanese leaders during my time as Governor.  Working together, we’ve been able to grow our relationship both through trade and cultural exchange.  Thank you to the Government of Japan for this tremendous honor and for being a steadfast ally and friend of the State of Nebraska.”

During his time as governor, Ricketts has made three trade missions to Japan to promote Nebraska’s agricultural products.

He also spent time encouraging Japanese companies to invest in Nebraska, according to the press release.

Back home, Ricketts has hosted several Japanese dignitaries and has been a participant in the annual Midwest U.S.-Japan Association Conference.

“In receiving this honor, I accept it on behalf of Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, producers, business leaders, and the countless state teammates who have helped us strengthen our special relationship with Japan over the past eight years,” Ricketts said.  “As we look to the future, it is critical that we continue to forge even deeper ties between our countries for generations to come.”