Australian icon Olivia Newton-John, 73, reveals she feels 'very honoured' as she receives an accolade from the Japanese Government for her contribution to music By Chloe-lee Longhetti For Daily Mail Australia Published: 23:11 GMT, 3 November 2021 | Updated: 23:14 GMT, 3 November 2021 Viewcomments Grease star and Australian icon Olivia Newton-John has been honoured by the Japanese Government for her contribution to music over her decade-long career. The singer, 73, has received the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun for her music and for fostering relations between the two countries. 'It was a wonderful surprise to be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun. As an Australian, I feel very honoured,' Olivia said in a video message. Incredible! Australian icon Olivia Newton-John, 73, has received an accolade from the Japanese Government for her contribution to music 'I first visited Japan in 1972 and since then I have been back more than 10 times, one of m favourite countries and favourite people.' Olivia previously performed in a memorial concert in Japan in 2015, after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. 'I was deeply touched by the resilience of the people affected by the disaster and it was a heart-warming experience,' Olivia recalled in her video message. 'It was a wonderful surprise to be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun. As an Australian, I feel very honoured,' Olivia said in a video message about the accolade She finished: 'I so look forward to visiting Japan and seeing you all again soon, thank you so much.' An official ceremony will be held in Canberra for Olivia at the Japanese Embassy, once Covid-19 travel restrictions ease. 'Not only have the famous tunes been major hits in Japan, they have had a huge impact on Japan's pop music scene and its development,' Japan's ambassador to Australia Yamagami Shingo said in a statement. Ceremony: Seven News reports an official ceremony will soon be held in Canberra for Olivia, at the Japanese Embassy, once Covid-19 travel restrictions ease Hits: Olivia, who is currently battling stage-four breast cancer, is an Australian music icon. The British-born star is known for songs including Physical and Let Me Be There Olivia, who is currently battling stage-four breast cancer, is an Australian music icon. The British-born star is known for songs including Physical and Let Me Be There. However, she burst onto the international scene thanks to the hit 1978 film Grease, co-starring John Travolta. She appeared in the film as Travolta's love interest Sandy and the movie became one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Iconic: However, she burst onto the international scene thanks to the hit 1978 film Grease, co-starring John Travolta Read more: Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility