Chairman of the Board and CEO YOSHIDA, Shoichiro Receives French Order of the Legion of Honor
July 2, 2003
On July 1, Chairman of the Board and CEO YOSHIDA, Shoichiro of Nikon Corporation received the Order of the Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier, from the French Government. The ceremony took place at the French Embassy in Tokyo, in the presence of about 60 guests including the tops of the political and business world.
The Order of the Legion of Honor was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 to recognize civilian achievements in culture, science, industry, trade and creation.
The reasons given for the award were Nikon's contributions to industry, and the company's decisive contribution to stronger relationships between France and Japan through the establishment of joint venture Nikon-Essilor Co., Ltd., together with Essilor International S.A., the world biggest French ophthalmic lenses manufacturer, and the subsequent technology tie-up with the newborn company.
At the ceremony, Chairman Yoshida made the following speech:
"It is indeed a rare honor to be granted the Order of the Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier, from the French Republic. Thanks to your support, the Nikon-Essilor Co., Ltd. joint venture between our nations, in spite of the difficult economic situation, is performing extremely well after three and a half years, to the satisfaction of all involved."
"In the receipt of this order I am delighted that Nikon's contribution to not only business, but also to a deepening and strengthening of the relationship between France and Japan, was recognized. The Order of the Legion of Honor makes me more determined than ever to work toward the continuing development of Nikon Corporation and Nikon-Essilor Co., Ltd., in the hopes that the ties between our nations may grow yet stronger in the future."
- The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.