Former Fiji Ambassador to Japan Filimone Waqabaca has been awarded Japan’s prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between Fiji and Japan.
The Government of Japan announced the conferment on the 3rd of this month, as part of its 2026 Autumn Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals.
Waqabaca served as Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan from 2022 to 2024, where he worked with government, parliamentary, business, academic and community stakeholders to strengthen political cooperation, trade and investment, development cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
During his tenure, he also worked to build partnerships that supported Fiji’s national interests and identified opportunities for wider regional cooperation across the Pacific.
Reflecting on the recognition, Waqabaca says his engagement with Japan had always been guided by humility, respect, patience and an appreciation of the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
He says his approach was to engage with Japan with respect, patience and a genuine understanding of its political, economic, social and cultural perspectives.
Waqabaca also expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Japan, their Imperial Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, and the members of the Imperial Household for the friendship and support extended to him during his diplomatic service.
He acknowledged the support of his wife, Caroline, and their children, Sylvia, Silipa and Filimone Junior, as well as the Fiji Embassy team in Tokyo, former and current Fiji diplomats, and the many organisations and individuals who contributed to strengthening Fiji–Japan relations.
He also paid tribute to former First Secretary and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Kelera Savu, whose knowledge of Japan, its culture, values and language he said played an important role in strengthening the Embassy's engagement.
Waqabaca says their work also helped advance the Lomavata Kizuna Partnership, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
In his current roles as Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Development Bank and Board Chair of Investment Fiji, Waqabaca continues to support Fiji's economic diplomacy, investment promotion and international business engagement.
He recently led Fiji's Trade and Investment Mission to Tokyo and Osaka, following the 2025 Fiji Business Mission held alongside Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, where he served as Commissioner General for Fiji.
Established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji, the Order of the Rising Sun was Japan's first national decoration and recognises individuals who have made distinguished contributions in areas including international relations, public service, social welfare and the promotion of Japanese culture.
The Gold and Silver Star is among the highest distinctions awarded by the Government of Japan.
