Other events in Baltic States

On 29 April 2015, Rimantas Vaitkus was conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon for his contribution to promotion of mutual understanding, and economic and technical exchanges between Japan and Lithuania. It is expected that this conferment will further promote and strengthen relations between Japan and Lithuania, the Government of Japan announced LETA/ELTA.

58-year-old Rimantas Vaitkus is former general manager of Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant, President of Lithuania and Japan Friendship Association and President of Lithuanian Alumni Association of Former Students in Japan.

Vaitkus was bestowed the decoration for promotion of mutual understanding between Lithuania and Japan. He contributed to a tree-planting of Sakura (cherry trees) all over Lithuania. In 2008, Vaitkus managed to obtain permission to name the area of Sakura in Vilnius from Vilnius municipality by negotiating with Vilnius mayor. He named the area Sugihara Chiune Sakura Park. At present, thanks to his contribution, sakura has become so popular among Lithuanian that cherry blossoms are called as "sakura" in Japanese.

Vaitkus organised various events related to Japan, including not only about culture and economy but also Japanese diplomacy. He helped to broaden Japanese policies in Lithuania.

When their majesties the emperor and empress visited Lithuania in 2007, Vaitkus played an important role as an advisor to the Lithuanian Government who is familiar with Japan. He made a remarkable support for the official visit of their majesties the emperor and empress.

Vaitkus established Lithuanian Alumni Association of Former Students in Japan. He created and promoted network of people who know Japan well.

Vaitkus helped to enhance economic and technical exchange between Japan and Lithuania since 1995. When he served as deputy minister of economy of Lithuania from 1999 to 2001, he was a leading person who promoted bilateral cooperation with Japan. He also assisted a Japanese information technology design company to start its operation in Lithuania.

Vaitkus opened the first Japanese restaurant and introduced Japanese cuisine to Lithuania. He also volunteered to provide his restaurant as a place for assistance to Japanese nationals as the Embassy of Japan in Lithuania had not opened yet in Vilnius.