The Japanese Government will confer the Order of the Rising Sun – the country’s highest civilian honour – on Aussie singer Olivia Newton-John. Japan’s Ambassador to Oz (and magpie lover) Yamagami Shingo – announced the news yesterday, saying her music “made my youth colourful and endurable”. It’s not as random as it might seem… The British-born, American-based Aussie singer and cancer campaigner has been travelling to Japan since 1972 and was the first foreign artist to perform in Fukushima 4 years after the city’s forced evacuation due to an accident at a nuclear power plant. Japan says she has made a significant contribution to developing the nation’s musical culture and promoting friendly relations with Australia. Newton-John is stacking up the awards – she was made a dame in the Queen’s 2020 New Year honours.