Emperor awards distinguished Australians

The highest honour Japan can bestow on a foreigner was presented to Australian economist and businessman Hugh Morgan for his work in strengthening the economic ties between the two nations. Mr Morgan received "The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun" from Japanese Emperor Akihito in the November 3 awards. Also recognised were the seven Australian skiers who aided rescue efforts after an avalanche on Japan's Mt Hakkouda last February. In all, 12 Australians and two Japanese residing in Australia were honoured with awards, which are presented twice a year. This season's Australian recipients were: Mr Morgan, Professor Brian Anderson, Mr Jeremy Ellis, Captain Eric John Atkinson, Ms Hiroko Fischer, Ms Akiko Mayahara, Ms Saeko Ogi, Mr Mark Spilsbury, Mr Glenn Kirkwood, Mr Roger Campbell, Mr David Brown, Mr Jonathan Disher, Mr David Stewart-Thomson and Mr Ross McSwiney.