Takao Hensch, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University and Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, has been named in the 2024 Autumn Conferment of Japanese Decorations on Foreign Nationals by the Government of Japan. He will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.

Prof. Hensch is honored for his contributions to the field of Japanese Studies both at Harvard University and as former lab head and Critical Period Mechanisms Research Group Director at RIKEN Brain Science Institute. The citation also commends his leadership in "promoting the exchanges of international science students and interns in collaboration with various Japanese universities and research institutions," as well as his continued collaboration between the University of Tokyo and Boston Children's Hospital.