by ijf.org — Earlier this year the Embassy of Japan in Lebanon was pleased to announce that on 29th April the Government of Japan decided to award ‘The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays’ to Mr. Francois Saade, President of the Lebanese Judo Federation, for his outstanding contribution to promoting judo in Lebanon and strengthening friendly relations between Japan and Lebanon over many years. Eventually, after several months of waiting due to the global crisis, the Japanese Ambassador to Lebanon, Takeshi Okubo, presented the national order to Saade at the former’s home in Baabda, Mount Lebanon, during a symbolic, coronavirus-safe ceremony.

The ceremony included the screening of a short film about Saade and his long career in judo, seeing him reach the top of the sport’s ranks as a coach and an administrator in Lebanon and the region. Ambassador Okubo expressed deep appreciation to Saade for his “long-term contribution, not only to strengthening bilateral relations through judo, but for encouraging the Lebanese people in these difficult times as well.” The ambassador also noted Saade’s long history in practising the martial art. Upon receiving it, Saade, who is also the vice-president of the Lebanese Olympic Committee, expressed his gratitude for the decoration, stressing that it “embodies the depth of the bilateral relationship” between Japan and Lebanon. The Order of the Rising Sun is a national decoration, awarded by the Japanese government to individuals for distinguished achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare, or preservation of the environment.

© Photos Lebanese National News Agency