The Consulate-General of Japan in Hagatna announced that “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” was bestowed to the Honorable Carl T. C. Gutierrez, former Governor of Guam from 1995 to 2003.

Gutierrez is being recognized with this prestigious award for his year-long contributions in promoting friendship, interregional exchanges and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States, especially Guam.

Gutierrez acknowledged that Japan was not only Guam’s most important tourism market but also a key partner for long-term economic cooperation.

During his tenure from 1995 to 2003, he promoted a series of policies aimed at strengthening ties with Japanese local governments and the business community, particularly in the areas of tourism development, infrastructure improvement, and investment promotion.

One of the most remarkable bonds he built with the people of Japan was formed during the Korean Air Flight 801 crash in 1997.

As governor, he rushed swiftly to the scene and personally rescued an 11-year-old Japanese girl, Rika Matsuda.

His courageous and compassionate act deeply moved people in both Japan and Guam.

For this achievement, he was awarded the Eagle Award by the U.S. Department of Defense’s National Guard Bureau and received numerous expressions of gratitude and praise from Japanese officials and citizens alike.