Japan to honor chef Ferran Adria with Order of the Rising Sun

Spanish chef Ferran Adria has been selected for the Order of the Rising Sun, bestowed by Japanese Emperor Akihito, for his contribution to bringing Spain and Japan closer through gastronomy.

Adria’s frequent trips and contact with Japan beginning 2002 introduced him to all styles of Japanese gastronomy classic, popular, contemporary and avantgarde, markedly influencing his cooking, according to sources from the Japanese government.

The man who created “El Bulli” ranked world’s best restaurant five times is also friends with renowned Japanese chefs such as Hiroyoshi Ishida.

Other awardees mentioned in the annual list of the Order include Art History professor and Japanese art specialist from the University of Zaragoza Elena Barles; Director of the Center of East Asian Studies at the Autonomous University of Madrid, Taciana Fisac; former U.S. secretary of State Donald Rumsfeld, and former President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy.

Almost 4,000 Japanese citizens and 89 foreigners from 38 countries will receive the honor from Emperor Akihito on Nov. 5 in a ceremony at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace.

The Order of the Rising Sun is conferred on Japanese citizens as well as foreigners for achieving outstanding success in their respective professions, for strengthening Japan’s international relations or promoting Japanese culture.