For actively promoting the Japanese martial art of judo while fostering close PH-Japan ties through sports for decades now, former Philippine Judo Federation president Dave Carter was conferred the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Rays by the Japanese government.

Judo secretary general Dave Carter (seated, right) proudly shows off his medallion and certificate with friends and family after being conferred the Order of the Rising Sun Golden and Silver Rays by Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa (seated left).

The conferment rites were held last week at the official residence of   Kazuhiko Koshikawa, the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, in Forbes Park, Makati that was witnessed by close friends and immediate members of his family.

"Mr. Carter has been a reliable and formidable force in bringing judo to the Philippine consciousness. For almost three decades Mr. Carter has focused his life's work on developing and promoting judo in the Philippines," noted Koshikawa of the current PJF secretary general and Philippine Olympic Committee Executive Board member.

"Mr. Carter's admirable passion and dedication to judo have deepened the mutual understanding and friendship between our two countries, and his achievement on and off the mat exemplify how sports can transform lives and unite hearts," added the ambassador.

The Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silvers Rays comes with a special medallion and a framed certificate written in Japanese characters,  signed no less than Japanese Emperor Naruhito and certified by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Ishida.

"The Emperor of Japan hereby confirms upon Mr. David Carter citizen of the Republic of the Philippines the Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Rays. In witness thereof, the seal of State has been affixed in His presence at the Imperial Palace. Recognized by Ishida Fumio, Prime Minister," states the certificate in English.

"This conferment brings great honor to me, my family and my sport of judo. This is special  and I am very humbled," responded Carter, 52,  regarding the recognition.

He joins the illustrious ranks of those cited  for their contributions in various fields, among them Japanese two-time Olympic judo champion Hiroshi Saito and  Japanese Olympic Committee president and fellow judoka Yasuhiro Yamashita.

The late Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, former Finance Secretary Cesar Virata and business leader Washington SyCip, founder premier accounting firm SGV/Ey, were also among the prominent Filipino recipients of the Order of the Rising Sun.

"My colleagues in judo do understand how challenging the task of propagation is so  I share this honor with all of them," Carter explained.  "This pushes us to do more in the propagation and development of the sport in the entire Philippines.

"We will continue to uphold the brotherhood and trust not only between our two governments but also the partnership of Japan and the Philippines in terms of sports and development."

"This is an affirmation of his (Carter's) advocacy throughout the years in the service of Philippine judo. It is really quite an honor to be part of this and I am very happy for my friend," said PJF president Ali Sulit during the event.

Other PJF officials witnessing the event were sports director Emir Reyes and coaching and kata director Cris Borja.

Also present during the occasion were POC second vice president and Ormoc Rep. Richard Gomez, wife and Ormoc Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, commissioner Walter Torres of the Philippine Sports Commission, Bases Conversion Development Authority senior vice president Arrey Perez and Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon "Tats" Suzara.