On 29th April 2011^*, His Majesty The Emperor of Japan honoured Dr. Shoji Shiba, Professor Emeritus, University of Tsukuba, Japan, and Distinguished Honorary Professor - Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, for his immense contributions towards fostering academic exchanges between Japan and India.

About Dr. Shoji Shiba:

Dr. Shoji Shiba is currently Professor Emeritus, University of Tsukuba, Japan, Advisory Professor, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, and Distinguished Honorary Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. He was earlier the Adjunct and Visiting Professor at Sloan School of Management, MIT, from 1990 to 2004.

He is also Chief Advisor to the Visionary Leaders for Manufacturing Programme (VLFM) in India. It is the first worldwide innovative management transformation programme being implemented in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency, to create a critical mass of Visionary Leaders to lead India’s manufacturing sector in to future growth. It is a globally successful experiment in collaboration with the Indian Industry (Confederation of Indian Industry), Indian Academia (Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and Madras) and Indian Government (National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council), and includes faculty of highest level from Japan and India. This innovative program has been covered by the media globally.

Dr. Shoji Shiba, an international expert in TQM and Breakthrough Management, has received a number of awards for his contribution to the industry in various countries. In July 2008, he was felicitated by the Government of India for his contribution to the transformation of India’s manufacturing sector and for helping to build the critical Industry, Academia and Government collaboration.

His recent books include “Four Practical Revolutions in Management” (2000) and “Breakthrough Management” (2003), which won the Nikkei Quality Management Literature Award in November 2004, in Japan.

About the Orders of the Sacred Treasure:

The Orders of the Sacred Treasure were established in 1888. These decorations are conferred in recognition of an individual’s (both Japanese and foreign) distinguished long-term public service. The Orders of the Sacred Treasure are classified into six ranks: Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star, The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette, The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays, and The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays.

These decorations feature a mirror, which was an ancient treasure, surrounded by sixteen connected circles, and four or eight beams of light. The attachment carries a chrysanthemum leaf pattern.

* The conferment of Decoration was officially decided on 29th April; however, the announcement was postponed until 18th June due to the Great East Japan Earthquake.