Conferment Ceremony of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon upon Col. Stephen Browne, Former Director of Policy and Plans, U.S. Forces Japan
2026/3/13
(From right) Colonel Stephen Browne, his wife Tiffany, and Consul General Naganuma
Col. Browne expresses his gratitude
On March 11, a conferment ceremony of the Japanese Imperial Decoration was held at the Official Residence of the Consul-General for Colonel Stephen Browne, former Director of Policy and Plans at U.S. Forces Japan.
Prior to the ceremony, it was announced on November 3, 2025, that Col. Browne would be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, in recognition of his significant contributions to promoting defense cooperation between Japan and the United States.
Col. Browne attended the ceremony with his wife and family members. Consul-General Naganuma conveyed his congratulations and presented the decoration and certificate. In his remarks, Col. Browne expressed his deep gratitude and reflected that receiving such an honor on March 11—the anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake—did not feel like a coincidence. Having been engaged in “Operation Tomodachi” at the time, he spoke movingly of his memories working with the people of the affected areas and members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, and of the special bond he feels with Japan.
Prior to the ceremony, it was announced on November 3, 2025, that Col. Browne would be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, in recognition of his significant contributions to promoting defense cooperation between Japan and the United States.
Col. Browne attended the ceremony with his wife and family members. Consul-General Naganuma conveyed his congratulations and presented the decoration and certificate. In his remarks, Col. Browne expressed his deep gratitude and reflected that receiving such an honor on March 11—the anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake—did not feel like a coincidence. Having been engaged in “Operation Tomodachi” at the time, he spoke movingly of his memories working with the people of the affected areas and members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, and of the special bond he feels with Japan.