Anuj Raj Karki, a young Nepali residing in Tokyo, was awarded the Medal with Red Ribbon on 13 January by the Government of Japan. On Friday, Karki received a letter of appreciation from the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzō Abe.

Karki receiving a letter of appreciation from Shinzō Abe Karki receiving a letter of appreciation from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. Pic: Embassy of Japan, Kathmandu

Karki was awarded for saving a woman’s life, who had fallen off the railway platform at JR Yotsuya Station in Tokyo in May 2014.

The 22-year old Nepali jumped into the railway tracks to rescue the woman seconds before the train hurtled into the station.

Anuj Raj Karki had already received a letter of appreciation last May at Kojimachi Police Station in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, for his courageous act.

In Japan, the Medal with Red Ribbon is awarded to individuals who have risked their own lives to save others.