Reagan Sees Emperor, Receives Award

Former President Ronald Reagan had lunch with Emperor Akihito today and received one of Japan’s top honors--the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum--for promoting free trade and friendship with Japan.

The award ceremony and luncheon at the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo was the first meeting between the two men since Akihito succeeded his father, the late Emperor Hirohito, in January and since Reagan retired to California.

“I am humbled and deeply honored to have been awarded,” said Reagan, who is earning $2 million in speaking fees during his visit.

Akihito and Empress Michiko looked on as palace Grand Master of Ceremonies Kiyoshi Sumiya presented the award to Reagan, palace officials said. Nancy Reagan, Crown Prince Naruhito and Ambassador Michael Armacost also attended the ceremony and luncheon.

The Reagans last met the imperial couple in October, 1987, when they made an official visit to the United States.

Reagan received the award from the Japanese government for promoting peace and friendship with Japan and for working to protect the free trade system during his eight years in office, officials said. The last and only other U.S. President to receive the honor was Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Later in the day, Reagan, who is in Japan at the invitation of Fujisankei Communications Group and the Japanese government, met with Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu and attended a dinner held by Kaifu in his honor.

At the dinner, Kaifu admired Reagan’s popularity, noted the deepening of bilateral relations during his years in office and warmly congratulated Reagan on his award.

“I know that over the years, every relationship has its ups and downs. Even among the best of friends, there are sometimes issues which need careful and candid evaluation,” Reagan said, alluding to often rocky trade issues.