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This text is my grandfather’s manuscript of his acceptance speech for the Order of the Rising Sun (Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon), a Japanese order founded by Emperor Meiji in 1875 to award those who have contributed exceptionally to Japanese international relations or military merit. The Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon is the third highest class of seven – the highest an ordinary citizen can be awarded. This English manuscript was written and translated by my grandfather in late September, 2019, from the original oral speech in Mandarin delivered on April 29, 2013. Aside from the attendees at the award ceremony, this speech has not been circulated among audiences since the speech was given. This manuscript is two pages long and written with a black ballpoint pen on hotel notepad paper, likely paper that was conveniently found around the house.

My grandfather, due to his bilingual eloquence and economic knowledge, often served as a liaison between Japanese and Taiwanese governmental and business relationships. It was for this civil service that he was recognized and recommended by Japanese Ambassador Tarui and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, as mentioned in the speech. He states that not only is he extremely humbled by being recognized with such an honorable award, but also has become even more motivated to increase efforts in further promoting the relationship between Taiwan and Japan – which, at the time, has already never been better. This is an important text for me as it serves as an opportunity for me to connect with my grandfather in a new regard – to be able to learn more about his career successes and life story. In addition, I would like to find a way to preserve this text in hopes of passing my grandfather’s legacy down through future generations of the Cheng family.