Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, Senate President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate, World War II hero, and honorary board member of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers.

The award is the highest level of National Orders Japan gives to foreigners. Inouye is the seventh American and the first-ever foreigner of Japanese ethnicity to receive the award. Inouye received this National Order for his unwavering contributions in strengthening Japan and U.S. relations.

Senator Inouye is one of the Asian Pacific American community’s most legendary leaders, having overcome bigotry during WWII, and having been awarded the Medal of Honor for his valiant feats in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

He has since become one of the longest-serving U.S. Senators. He was first elected in 1963. As Senate President Pro Tempore, he is third in line of succession for the presidency and the highest-ranked Asian American elected official in history.

APAICS released a statement thanking him for his lifelong service and congratulated him on receiving the prestigious award. “He serves as a model of the very leadership APAICS works to build, and he is an inspiration to many of the promising students, young professionals, and distinguished elected officials who have participated in our leadership programs,” the statement added.