Conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette on Mrs. Birgit Stenbak Hansen, Former Mayor of Frederikshavn

On 26 June 2026, a conferment ceremony was held to present the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette to Mrs. Birgit Stenbak Hansen, former Mayor of Frederikshavn at the Ambassador’s residence.

Mrs. Hansen has made outstanding contributions to mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Denmark. During more than a decade as mayor, she promoted ties between Frederikshavn and Wakayama Prefecture (including Mihama Town and Hidaka Town), advanced youth exchanges, and broadened local engagement with Japanese culture. Notably, she helped to pass on the legacy of Chief Engineer Johannes Knudsen—who gave his life attempting to save Japanese fishermen off the coast of Wakayama in 1957—by facilitating the 2017 memorandum of friendship signed during the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Denmark, also marking Mr. Knudsen’s 100th birth anniversary and the 60th year since his passing.

She also championed the sister-school relationship between Hidaka High School and Frederikshavn Gymnasium, helping to restart student visits in 2024 after a five-year pause. In addition, she supported the Japanese Film Festival in Frederikshavn and participated in the planting of 100 cherry trees in a local park, creating more opportunities for citizens to experience Japanese culture.

In his remarks, Ambassador Mori highlighted Mrs. Hansen’s leadership and dedication, noting that “the values of courage, kindness, and respect continue to connect our communities across the sea,” before presenting the decoration and patent of the decoration. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Karl Erik Slynge, Chairman of the Board of the Business Council of Frederikshavn Municipality, and Mr. Karsten Madsen, Chairman of the Board of Destination North Denmark, as well as members of Mrs. Hansen’s family, who joined in celebrating this well-deserved honor.