Today, April 28 at 1 p.m. West Coast time, (April 29 in Japan), The Ventures were officially awarded a very prestigious decoration, The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays and Rosette. This honor has been given to Don Wilson, Nokie Edwards, Gerry McGee, Leon Taylor and Bob Spalding, in recognition of their contribution as members of The Ventures to cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan and in recognition for the fact that The Ventures cross the Pacific to boost mutual understanding between Japan and the United States through its magical ‘Band that Launched a Thousand Bands.’

All of the members of The Ventures – past and present – and all of us who have been and are part of The Ventures’ extended family, want to thank the Emperor, the Japanese Government, and all the people of Japan who have bestowed this great honor on the group. This award is even more gratifying that the many awards and accolades that The Ventures have garnered in their long career.

One of the last recipients of a similar award, last July, was Clint Eastwood – again in recognition of his furthering of mutual understanding between the US and Japan.

Click here to view the official press release which has been sent out by the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle.