On International Museum Day, 18 May 2007, the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Stars was presented to Director of the State Hermitage Mikhail Piotrovsky at a ceremony performed on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The ceremony took place in the Hermitage Theatre.

The Government of Japan took the decision to award the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Stars to State Hermitage Director Mikhail Piotrovsky on 29 April 2007 in recognition of his "contribution to the development of Japanese art and to mutual understanding and strengthening friendly relations between the peoples of Russia and Japan."

Upon the initiative of Mikhail Piotrovsky, numerous exhibitions of art works from the Hermitage collection and specialized conferences have been organized in all regions of Japan. The world renowned Petersburg museum actively acquaints residents and guests of its city with exhibitions devoted to Japanese culture. As the Japanese side has remarked: "The holding of the 'Festival of Japanese Culture in Russia-2003," the 'Festival of Russian Culture in Japan-2006" and the annual festival entitled 'Japanese Spring in St Petersburg" would not have been possible were it not for the thoughtful and serious attitude towards these events and the assistance provided by Mikhail Piotrovsky."

Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Stars Presented to Director of the State Hermitage Mikhail Piotrovsky

Director of the State Hermitage Mikhail Piotrovsky delivers a speech