Press Releases

1. On Wednesday, July 31, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold a ceremony for the Foreign Minister's Commendations for FY 2013 followed by a reception at Iikura Guesthouse.
2. This year, the Commendation will be awarded to 97 individuals and 31 groups (of which 18 individuals and 6 groups are from Japan, and 79 individuals and 25 groups from overseas), who will be presented with award certificates and commemorative gifts (pure silk furoshiki).
3. The Foreign Minister's Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups of outstanding achievements in international fields, to acknowledge their contribution to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries. The Commendation also aims to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for their activities.
4. In addition, excellent Chefs for Ambassador/Consul-General of Japan and longtime service diplomats (25-year and 35-year careers) will also be awarded with the commendations by the Foreign Minister on this occasion. A total of 21 chefs with superior achievements and high contribution will receive the title of the “Excellent Executive Chef for Ambassador/Consul-General of Japan.” The Foreign Minister’s Commendations and awarding of the title of the “Excellent Executive Chef for Ambassador/Consul-General of Japan” aim to once again recognize the significance of their contributions to the diplomatic activities and at the same time securing such chefs in the future.

[Reference]
Chefs for Ambassador/Consul-General of Japan and Foreign Minister’s Commendations

Overseas diplomatic establishments are bases of diplomatic activities such as negotiation, exchange of views, and building of human networks with their counterpart country’s governments and others. Inviting influential figures of the government, business community, and diplomatic missions and offering dining at the official residence of the head of diplomatic establishments is one of the most effective diplomatic tools. For such purposes, the head of the diplomatic establishments generally hires a Chef for Ambassador/Consul-General of Japan and takes him/her to overseas establishments.
The Foreign Minister’s Commendation for Chefs for Ambassador/Consul-General of Japan started from FY 1985 and a total of 304 chefs have been commended to date (the 29th commendation). Moreover, the title of “Excellent Executive Chef for Ambassador/Consul-General of Japan” has been accredited from FY 2008.