San Antonio’s economic and cultural relationship with Japan took another step forward Wednesday when former Mayor Henry Cisneros received the Order of the Rising Sun Award from the Emperor of Japan, the highest decoration the island nation bestows on non-citizens.

The award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in non-military service and was given in recognition of the connections Cisneros helped build between San Antonio and Japan, from helping businesses set up shop in the region to cultural exchanges that span the Pacific.

Japan’s consul-general in Houston, Zentaro Naganuma, presented the award to Cisneros, highlighting in particular San Antonio’s sister city relationship with Kumamoto and the work done to bring Toyota’s manufacturing plant to the city.

“This pl

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