Yuji Kishimoto MArch ’65 has been awarded a national medal of distinction — the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays Medal — by the Emperor of Japan. The medal recognizes his longtime efforts to promote academic, cultural, and economic relations between the United States and Japan. Kishimoto received the award, as well as an honorable certificate signed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during a ceremony at the Royal Palace in Tokyo.

A native of Tokyo, Kishimoto taught architecture studio at Clemson University from 1980 until his retirement in 2011. He has been involved in many cross-cultural efforts throughout his career, including leading the Southeast U.S.-Japan Architectural Exchange for more than two decades. In addition to his academic and diplomatic pursuits, Kishimoto is a dedicated runner having completed 24 marathons, including the Boston Marathon five times.

Read more about Kishimoto.

Image shows Yuji and his wife Toshiko Kishimoto in Tokyo; courtesy of Clemson University.