The Royal Distinction was given to Shinozuka by Morocco's Ambassador to Japan Rachad Bouhlal, during a ceremony held at the residence of Morocco, in the presence of several Japanese personalities, including Odano Nobutake, Special Advisor to the Board of Chamberlains at the Imperial Household Agency, Hirose Haruko, former Ambassador of Japan to Morocco and President of the Japan-Morocco Association, Iwami Misuzu, former Deputy Grand Master of Ceremonies at the Imperial Household Agency and Mr. Miyake Kunihiko, President of the Foreign Policy Institute.

In a speech on this occasion, Bouhlal said that the Royal Distinction is a high recognition of Shinozuka's constant efforts during his diplomatic career in Morocco, in favor of the promotion of relations between Morocco and Japan.

This distinction also reflects the excellence of relations between Morocco and Japan, based on the deep friendship between the Moroccan Royal Family and the Japanese Imperial Family, he stressed.

For his part, Shinozuka expressed his deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who kindly awarded him this distinction. He also praised the leadership of the Sovereign in promoting peace and stability, especially in Africa and the Middle East.

Shinozuka also highlighted the Kingdom's active role in several areas, including clean energy, the fight against climate change and the fight against terrorism.