THIMPHU, 1 May, 2021 (TON): On Thursday, the Japanese government announced to confer former Home Minister Dago Tshering with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star.

Lyonpo Dago Tshering, former Ambassador of Bhutan to Japan, was recognized for his contributions to strengthening the relationship and friendship between Japan and Bhutan, according to a press release from the Japan Embassy in New Delhi, India.

Japan for the first time has conferred the award upon a Bhutanese national.

Dago was one of the foreign recipients of the 2021 Spring Decorations.

He served as the Minister of Home Affairs from 1991 to 1998. 

However, he not only provided support in receiving high-level visits from Japan as Minister of Home Affairs, but also played an important role in promoting cultural cooperation between Japan and Bhutan as a Commissioner of Cultural Affairs.

 He supported the Japanese researchers in Bhutanese organizations and promoted the cooperation between National Museum of Ethnology, Japan, and National Museum of Bhutan.

However, he is also recognized for boosting the high-level visits and cultural exchanges between the two countries during his tenure as the ambassador to Japan between 1999 and 2008.