The Japanese government announced that Phillip Seng, former president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, is a recipient of “The Order of the Rising Sun.” The award goes to people who’ve made distinguished achievements in areas like international relations and promoting Japanese culture. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended Seng for his contributions to “strengthening Japan-U.S. economic relations, particularly in the meat field, and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.” Seng says he’s honored and humbled to receive a prestigious award like this from the Japanese government. “However, the recognition should primarily go to the many Japanese colleagues who mentored me along the way, and to the numerous Japanese individuals and companies who introduced and championed U.S. meat products in Japan.” The Order of the Rising Sun is considered the highest ordinarily conferred order for U.S. civilians. “On behalf of USMEF, I offer Phil a wholehearted congratulations on this honor,” says current USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Phil deserves credit for advancing U.S. red meat interests around the world, and his impact was especially evident in Japan, where he worked tirelessly to strengthen relations between the U.S. and Japan.”