The Honorary MBEs were awarded by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, in recognition of their exceptional contribution to furthering UK-Japan relations.
The awards presented to Mr Fukuda, Dr Haseyama and Ms Hayashi recognised in particular their leadership in establishing the GO GB partnership under which their cities and campuses acted as host venues for preparation camps for British Olympic and Paralympic teams competing in the Tokyo 2020 Games. Through the GO GB initiative, not only did they ensure access for British athletes and parathletes to top class facilities for their preparation camps, they also created a lasting legacy of diversity and inclusion, including increased barrier-free access, and promoted deeper ties with the UK through cultural events and increased people-to-people activities.
The presentation ceremony at the British Ambassador's Residence in Tokyo was attended by representatives of the British Olympic Association and the British Paralympic Association, visiting Japan to express their gratitude to the recipients for their indispensable support to the success of the British teams competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
