TOKYO - Honda Motor Co. Ltd has announced that its former President and CEO Nobuhiko Kawamoto has been made an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Mr Kawamoto, presently Advisor and member of the Board of Directors of Honda Motor Co., was informed of the appointment by Sir David Wright, British Ambassador to Japan, who presented Mr Kawamoto with an official letter on November 25.

The letter noted recognition of Mr Kawamoto's "valuable contributions to improving relations between Britain and Japan".

A formal investiture ceremony will be scheduled at the British Embassy in Tokyo early in 1999.

Mr Kawamoto said he was "deeply honored by this appointment and wish to thank all my colleagues who have and continue to work toward improving relations between the United Kingdom and Japan".