Rinzin Wangchuk 

The Government of Japan conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star to former Home Minister Dago Tshering in Thimphu yesterday.

Japan’s Ambassador to Bhutan, Satoshi Suzuki, delivered the 2021 Spring Decorations to Lyonpo, the first Bhutanese recipient of the award, in a simple ceremony at the Druk Hotel. The award was announced last year, however, the ceremony was deferred due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lyonpo Dago Tshering, former Ambassador of Bhutan to Japan, was recognised for his contributions to strengthening the relationship and friendship between Japan and Bhutan. Lyonpo Dago Tshering served as the Minister of Home Affairs from 1991 to 1998.  During that period, he also served as a Commissioner of Cultural Affairs.

Lyonpo not only provided support in receiving high-level visits from Japan as Minister of Home Affairs, but also played an important role in promoting cultural cooperation between Japan and Bhutan as a  Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, such as supporting Japanese researchers in Bhutanese organisations and promoting cooperation between National Museum of Ethnology, Japan, and National Museum of Bhutan.

Lyonpo is also recognised for boosting the high-level visits and cultural exchanges between the two countries during his tenure as the ambassador to India and Japan between 1999 and 2008. The first visit to Japan by a Bhutanese Prime Minister took place successfully then.

He also visited various cities in Japan and cultivated relationships with Japan-Bhutan friendship organisations.  His efforts significantly promoted mutual understanding between the two countries.

The Order of the Rising Sun is awarded by the Emperor of Japan to individuals, both Japanese and foreign nationals, in recognition of their meritorious service and distinguished achievements.

Lyonpo Dago Tshering graduated from Bombay University, India, in 1961. He first joined the government as an Assistant in the Ministry of Development and then worked as the Secretary in the same ministry until 1970.

In 1971, he was transferred to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and posted as the First Secretary in the Royal Bhutan Misson in New Delhi, India. In 1973, he was transferred to the Permanent Mission of Bhutan to the UN in New York as a Counsellor. On November 1, 1974, Lyonpo Dago Tshering was promoted as the Permanent Representative of Bhutan to the United Nations.

In January 1980, he was transferred to the Royal Bhutan Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, as the first resident Ambassador. After four years in Bangladesh, Lyonpo Dago Tshering was again appointed as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations in May 1984. He was transferred to the Home Ministry in October 1985, as the Deputy Home Minister.