Embassy of Japan Press Release December 1, 2020 Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2020
Washington Japanese Heritage Center ("Keisho Center"), Inc.
On December 1, 2020 (Japan Time), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the recipients of the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2020. Washington Japanese Heritage Center, Inc. is among this year’s foreign recipients. Washington Japanese Heritage Center, Inc. will receive the Commendation in recognition of their contributions to the promotion of Japanese language education within the United States.
Washington Japanese Heritage Center, Inc. has played an important role in promoting Japanese language education and understanding of Japanese culture to meet the needs of families with ties to Japan who are permanently residing in the U.S. They have also actively participated in regional events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, sharing Japanese culture with the general public. Marking their 15th anniversary in 2019, the Center has made significant contributions throughout the years to promoting understanding of Japan, nurturing the next generation of leaders who will bridge Japan and the United States.
Every year, the Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.
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Embassy of Japan Press Release December 1, 2020 Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2020
Mr. Koji Otani
Japanese Language Teacher, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
On December 1, 2020 (Japan Time), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan announced the recipients of Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2020. Mr. Koji Otani is among this year’s foreign recipients. He receives the Commendation in recognition of his contributions to the promotion of Japanese language education within the United States.
Mr. Otani has made significant contributions to Japanese language education and Japan-U.S. friendship over his more than 20-year teaching career in Virginia’s Fairfax County Public School District. In addition to his work as a teacher, Mr. Otani plays an active role in organizing Japanese language events in the region, and has also contributed to the advancement of Japanese language education in the U.S. by serving as a member on the exam development committee for SAT and AP Japanese at College Board.
Every year, the Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.
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Embassy of Japan Press Release December 1, 2020 Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2020
Ms. Akiko Keene
Honorary Advisor, National Conference of State Societies (NCSS)
On December 1, 2020 (Japan Time), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan announced the recipients of Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2020. Ms. Akiko Keene is among this year’s foreign recipients. She receives the Commendation in recognition of her contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.
Ms. Keene has contributed to Japan-U.S. friendship for over 40 years through engagement with the Cherry Blossom Princess Program organized by the National Conference of State Societies during the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. This program aims to broaden participants’ horizons and to foster future leaders by having them take part in various educational, leadership, and cultural exchange activities, with one representative selected every year to visit Japan as a goodwill ambassador. As the only Japanese staff member in the organization, Ms. Keene has played a major role in connecting the organization with Japan. She has also worked as a teacher of Japanese doll making for many years, promoting Japanese culture in the United States.
Every year, the Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.
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