The Ethiopian Academy of Sciences (EAS) congratulates Professor Afework Kassu, who is EAS Fellow and member of the EAS Board, on receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star Award from the Government of Japan. Professor Afework received the Award for his contribution to strengthening the relationship and promoting academic exchange between Japan and Ethiopia. He also played an important role in strengthening the relationship between the higher education institutes of Ethiopia and Japan, in promoting the Kaizen process to further strengthen Ethiopian-Japanese relations and in introducing a Japanese style primary school feeding system in Ethiopia. Professor Afework was proactively involved in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).
The Order of the Rising Sun is a Japanese order, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. The order is awarded to those who have made distinguished achievements in international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, advancements in their field, development in welfare or preservation of the environment.