On November 21, 2013, Chancellor Noriko Mizuta was awarded the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary (civil division) from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the Hungarian Embassy in Japan.

This award acknowledges Chancellor Mizuta’s significant contributions to education, research, and human resource development in both Japan and Hungary.

The Order of Merit of Hungary was first established in 1991 and is the highest honor within Hungary’s decoration system. The award is divided into two categories―military and civilian―the Commander’s Cross being the highest award available to foreigner civilians. Among Japanese to have received this award in the past are Hiromasa Yonekura (Chairperson of the Federation of Economic Organizations) and Toshiki Kaifu (former Prime Minister).

In addition to this award, Chancellor Mizuta received the Pro Cultura Hungarica (Latin for “For Hungarian Culture”) from the Hungarian government in May 2011. This award honors foreigners who have made vital contributions in promoting Hungarian culture and facilitated cultural exchange abroad.