2011

Yasunobu Suzuki, Chairman and CEO of NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) was awarded the National Order of the Legion of Honour Chevalier by the government of the French Republic on September 14.

The commendation ceremony was held at the French Ambassador's residence under the presence of approximately 120 distinguished guests, including leading government figures. Chairman Suzuki was awarded the Honour by H.E.Mr. Bernard Accoyer, President of the French National Assembly, who traveled from France to Japan for the occasion.

The National Order of the Legion of Honour is the highest national French decoration which was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. The order is awarded by the French Government, upon decisions made by the President, to individuals recognized as making a significant contribution to the country in fields such as culture, science, industry, commerce and art.

NTN has invested in the French company SNR since 2007, leading to a major expansion of business by spurring innovation for the development of products in fields such as the railway business and wind power generators, as well as automobiles. Chairman Suzuki, who has overseen this business expansion and the collaboration between SNR research and development bases in Annecy and industrial areas in Mie Prefecture, was highly recognized for contributing to the strengthening of relationships between Japan and French industries, and was selected for the award.

Words of pleasure for the award

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for being awarded the highest decoration of France, the National Order of the Legion of Honour. Yet I do not receive the Honour as a single individual. Instead, I have been receive the Honour on behalf of everyone who has been part of NTN since establishing our first base in France in 1964 and subsequent expansion of business, and coordinating with SNR with the aim of further development.

I plan to continue making similar contributions with the aim of developing even stronger ties between both of our countries.