On 13 April 2021, at the French Embassy in Tokyo, the order was solemnly bestowed upon Prof. Osamu Motojima by French Ambassador Philippe Setton.

Prof. Osamu Motojima headed the ITER Organization from 2010 to 2015 and, in the Ambassador's words, "demonstrated exceptional human qualities and organizational competence" in managing "the gigantic task" of launching the construction of the ITER installation and the fabrication of components by participating members.

"This moment is the highest honour of my existence," said Prof. Motojima in his response to the Ambassador. "It is a token of the long and fruitful collaboration between France and Japan in the field of fusion research."

In addition to his service as ITER Director-General, Professor Motojima was the long-time leader of the fusion research effort at Japan's National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS). He is the recipient of numerous other honors, including Fusion Power Associates 2008 Distinguished Career Award.

He can be reached at motojima@kcn.jp