Japan honored Senator Lamar Alexander for his service and dedication to build a strong relationship between the U.S. and Japan.
Japan's consul-general in Nashville presented Alexander with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star on Wednesday night.
During his time as governor, Alexander led numerous trade missions to the country. The recruitment resulted in Nissan building the first Japanese auto assembly plant in the U.S. at Smyrna.
Now, more than 170 Japanese companies have operations in Tennessee, which accounts for 35,000 jobs.