Akira Haseyama, Keio University's Executive Advisor for Academic Affairs, was recently awarded an Honorary MBE (the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
Akira Haseyama served as the president of Keio University from May 2017 until May 2021, after which he assumed the position of Executive Advisor for Academic Affairs. This honor was conferred as a result of his contributions to Anglo-Japanese relations through his work as Keio University's president in coordinating with the local governments of Yokohama and Kawasaki in order to prepare to host the Olympic and Paralympic delegations from the United Kingdom for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Order of the British Empire was established in 1917 by King George V as a decoration for military service in non-combat duties, and was later expanded to include contributions to culture, arts, science, community service, and public service. MBEs are awarded to select individuals who have made significant contributions to the United Kingdom. Foreign recipients are referred to as "honorary" members.