site.btaJapanese Ambassador Michigami Awarded with Order of Madara Horseman, First Class

President Rumen Radev awarded Hisashi Michigami, Japan's Ambassador to Bulgaria, with the Order of the Madara Horseman, First Class, in recognition of his contribution to developing relations between the two countries. During the ceremony held in the Coat of Arms Hall of the President’s Administration building on Thursday, President Radev thanked Ambassador Michigami for his efforts in fostering political relations, promoting trade and economic ties, and encouraging cultural exchange.

Radev emphasized that Japan enjoys exceptional popularity and respect in Bulgaria, being recognized as a country with outstanding achievements in economics, science and technology, as well as a rich culture and traditions. He recalled that relations between the two countries, which date back decades, were strengthened during Bulgaria's transition to democracy, when Japan provided significant economic and technical assistance. He added that Bulgaria and Japan are partners that share common democratic values and principles, as well as an active political dialogue, noting several significant visits and initiatives had been carried out during Ambassador Michigami's term, including Bulgaria's participation in the World Expo in Osaka. The President added that, during the Japanese ambassador's tenure, the legal and contractual framework between Sofia and Tokyo had expanded to include memoranda of cooperation in areas such as energy transformation, tourism, digital technologies, and innovation.

Radev recalled the signing of the joint declaration on a strategic partnership between the two countries in May 2025. He described it as an extremely important step in the history of relations between Bulgaria and Japan, and a logical result of the friendship, trust and respect between their peoples. Radev also recognized the ambassador's efforts in promoting trade and economic ties by organizing business forums and arranging visits by Japanese delegations to Bulgaria. He expressed his high regard for Japan's contribution to supporting the countries of the Western Balkans. “We greatly value your efforts to develop cultural and educational cooperation, and to promote the Japanese language in Bulgaria,” Radev added.

In response, Ambassador Michigami voiced his gratitude for the high honour and his appreciation for the cooperation and friendship he encountered in Bulgaria. He said that it had been a great honour to serve in Bulgaria over the past two years. "I have met many hard-working and warm-hearted people, and the signing of the strategic partnership between our countries is an important moment in my diplomatic career," he added.

Michigami underlined that he sees great potential for developing cooperation between Bulgaria and Japan in education, science and business. The Ambassador thanked the Bulgarian institutions and people for their hospitality and wished them success in developing bilateral relations further.