On Thursday, June 7, 2007, Daniel I. Okimoto, director-emeritus and co-founder of the Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center in the Freeman Spogli Institute at Stanford University was awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. Professor Okimoto was chosen for "his contribution to the promotion of scholarship and academic exchange between Japan and the United States."

According to the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, Professor Okimoto was chosen for the following contributions to Japan:

1. Walter H. Shorenstein Asia Pacific Research Center

In 1978, Prof. Okimoto established a multi-disciplinary research center called the Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (Shorenstein APARC) at Stanford University which focuses on the study of key issues in public policy involving the United States and Asia. Prof. Okimoto served as the Director of APARC for 12 years from 1985 to 1997 during which time he held many conferences and seminars on the political economy of both Japan and the United States. Through those activities, Shorenstein APARC contributed to deepening the mutual understanding for people in the field of politics and economics of both countries.

2. Japan-U.S. Legislative Leaders Meeting and Asia Pacific Roundtable

Prof. Okimoto approached some U.S. Congressmen and organized a Japan-U.S. Legislative Leaders Meeting. For 14 years from 1984 to 1998, this annual meeting helped to promote exchanges between political leaders in Japan and the United States and advance mutual understanding between the two countries. In 1999, the Japan-U.S. Legislative Leaders Meeting became the Asia Pacific Roundtable and included leaders from the entire Asian region as well as from Japan and the United Sates. The Asia Pacific Roundtable has been instrumental in enhancing exchange among the political leaders of Japan, the United States and other Asian countries.

3. Asia Pacific Scholarship Program

Prof. Okimoto established the Asia Pacific Scholarship Program at Stanford University in 1997. Stanford University selected the best and brightest college graduates from Asian countries as well as from Japan and gave them an opportunity to study in graduate programs at Stanford University on scholarship. Highly promising young Japanese scholars were also selected and had an opportunity to study at Stanford University through this scholarship program.