Mr Griffiths is receiving the award (similar to the Order of Australia) as part of Japan's 2019 Spring Imperial Decorations for his contributions to promoting Japanese culture in Australia and fostering mutual understanding between Japan and Australia.

He said while it was an honour to receive the award, credit for his nomination should go to those who came before him.

"I'm certainly pleased to be recognised for the work I do but it's not just me, it's not a one man band," he said

"The Seikei committee and Chor Farmer, is all owed to Ab Oliver full stop and the Japanese Garden has many people involved in that, a list that goes on and on. They've left an enormous legacy and I've been privileged to be able to follow in their footsteps.

"It's nice to know your work is appreciated, I knew that it was in Cowra, but it's nice the Japanese Government recognises what's being done in Cowra, not just by me but lots of people," he said.

Mr Griffiths has been involved in Cowra and Japan's relationship for more than 25 years, most prominently as the Chair of the Cowra Seikei Student Exchange Program, now in its 50th continuous year of exchange.

He also coordinates Chor Farmer Choir visits, who have been coming to Cowra for 42 years.

In more recent years, Mr Griffiths has been on the board of the Cowra Japanese Garden holding the position of Chairman for the past three years.

Mr Griffiths said it was his involvement in Rotary that led him to being involved in the Seikei exchange program.

"Ab Oliver was a Rotarian and Rotary has provided the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of the program since its inception," he said.

"I was President of Rotary in 1995, when I finished my term I was co-opted to the Seikei committee and I've enjoyed it very much."

He said that while the promotion of Japanese culture in Australia was a key part of this award, fostering understanding between the two countries was the most important part.

"All these programs create understanding, respect and indeed reconciliation," he said.

"The world is a changing place and it's important younger generations get to see, experience and hear the tales of what happened in the past so I see the need for (these programs), for a long, long time.

"Whilst originally the Garden may not have been seen in that light, today it is the number one symbol of peace and reconciliation between Cowra and Japan, probably between Australia and Japan," he said.

Mr Griffiths said while he wasn't sure how his name was nominated he did have a hunch.

"I suspect it was Ambassador Sumio Kusaka who recently returned to Japan after a three year term," he said.

"He showed a lot of interest in Cowra and wanted to know the history of the Cowra/Japan relationship in detail and I think it's from that the nomination came.

"I have no way of knowing but I do know Ambassador Kusaka held Cowra in high regard and I suspect that's the rational behind it."

Mr Griffiths also thanked his wife Maureen Griffiths and acknowledged her help and support over the years. He will be presented with the award later in the year.