Japan Confers Decoration on Dr. Cynthia Neri Zayas

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Former director of the UP Diliman Center for International Studies (CIS), Dr. Cynthia Neri Zayas was conferred by the Japanese government the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette during the 2023 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals, in recognition of her contributions for promoting academic exchange and cultural understanding between Japan and the Philippines.

According to the Embassy of Japan on its Philippine website, the Japanese government acknowledges Dr. Zayas as the Philippines’ leading maritime anthropologist and foremost Japanologist. Her field of excellence includes cultural anthropology, maritime anthropological studies of Asia, and cultures of disaster. She is also credited for pioneering maritime anthropological studies in the Philippines, together with Japanese anthropologists, after completing her master’s and doctoral degrees in Japan. Her internationally recognized works on the cultures of disasters and free women divers, or ‘ama,’ in Japan have deepened the understanding of Japanese culture and society worldwide. Dr. Zayas is also acknowledged as instrumental in introducing Japanese traditional performing arts to the Philippines.

 

The Order of the Rising Sun is the third highest order bestowed by the Japanese government to exemplary individuals, following the Order of Paulownia Flowers, mostly reserved for politicians, while the Order of Chrysanthemum is bestowed upon heads of state or royalty. It was established on April 10, 1875 during the reign of Emperor Meiji by decree of the Council of State. It was the first ever national decoration awarded by the Japanese government to those who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare, or preservation of the environment.

The order consists of eight classes, and the decoration is in the form of a badge, featuring rays of the sunlight from the rising sun, symbolizing the powerful energy emanating from it. An honoree is presented a badge, depending on the class level attained. The awarding of honors, including decorations and medals, is an act performed by the Emperor with the advice and approval of the Cabinet, pursuant to Article 7 of the Constitution of Japan.

Dr. Zayas was one of four Filipino recipients of the prestigious award last April. The other three Filipino awardees were Hon. Alberto Romulo, conferred with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, for his contributions in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and the Philippines; Hon. Delfin N. Lorenzana, conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, for his contributions in strengthening national defense relations between the two countries; and, Hon. Gamaliel A. Cordoba, conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, for his contributions in strengthening cooperation in the field of information and communication technology. They will receive this award on Monday, at the residence of the Japanese ambassador to the Philippines.

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