The various honorary titles in the Order of the British Empire are awarded as part of the Official Honors List to people for their distinguished achievements in their field, as well as for outstanding contributions to society. The award of such honors to foreigners is also a well-established tradition, and reflects a distinguished contribution on the part of that individual to the development of Britain and her foreign relations. The titles are the same irrespective of a person's nationality. People so honored are permitted to use the alphabetical abbreviations detailed below^** after their names to designate their titles.

The commendation cited Mr. Kawamoto's "valuable contributions to improving relations between Britain and Japan."

A formal investiture ceremony will be held at the British Ambassador's official residence at the British Embassy in Tokyo early in 1999.

Nobuhiko Kawamoto's comment: "I am deeply honored by this appointment and wish to thank all my colleagues who have worked and continue to work toward improving relations between the United Kingdom and Japan."

** Honorary British titles (those titles earlier in the list are accorded a higher status):

• (Knight or Dame) Grand Cross of the British Empire: G.B.E.
• (Knight or Dame) Commander of the Order of the British Empire: K.B.E. (Knight), D.B.E. (Dame)
• Commander of the Order of the British Empire: C.B.E.
• Officer of the Order of the British Empire: O.B.E.
• Member of the Order of the British Empire: M.B.E.