Diplomat receives top award from Japan

A former Australian ambassador to Japan has received a special Order of the Rising Sun award in recognition of his contribution to bilateral relations.

Australia's former ambassador to Japan, Peter Grey, receives the country's Order of the Rising Sun. (AAP)

A former Australian ambassador has received one of Japan's highest honours in recognition of his efforts to improve bilateral relations over two decades.

Peter Grey, who was posted to Japan in 1998 and also headed up Austrade, received the Order of the Rising Sun award at a ceremony in Canberra on Tuesday.

Japan's Ambassador to Australia Sumio Kusaka said Mr Grey's work to promote trade, business, diplomatic, education and cultural ties had created a legacy that would ensure Japan-Australia relations continued to grow.