11 Facts About Morihiko Hiramatsu

Morihiko Hiramatsu was a Japanese politician who was governor of Oita Prefecture from April 1979 to April 2003.

Morihiko Hiramatsu is best known for initiating the One Village One Product movement in the prefecture, which was later followed by various other countries.

Morihiko Hiramatsu served in the Imperial Japanese Navy and later graduated in law from Tokyo University in 1949.

Morihiko Hiramatsu then joined the Ministry of International Trade and Industry where he worked on various regulations being formed for the emerging Japanese electronics industry.

Morihiko Hiramatsu was re-elected on five consecutive occasions and stayed in the post until 2003.

Morihiko Hiramatsu supported the reorganization of Japan into states, which would be formed by combining neighbouring prefectures.

Morihiko Hiramatsu received the Philippine Ramon Magsaysay Award in the Government Service category in 1995.

Morihiko Hiramatsu dedicated the award to the people of Oita prefecture who were together working towards regional revitalization.

Morihiko Hiramatsu was made a Knight of the Dutch Order of Orange-Nassau and Commander of the Portuguese Order of Prince Henry in 2001.

Morihiko Hiramatsu was presented with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in 2004.

Morihiko Hiramatsu died on 21 August 2016, at the age of 92, and his death was announced by his family two days later.