Press Releases

1. On July 20, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold the awarding ceremony of the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2016 followed by a reception at Iikura Guesthouse.

2. This year, the Commendations will be awarded to 142 individuals and 31 groups (25 individuals and 7 groups are from Japan, and 117 individuals and 24 groups are from overseas). They will be presented with award certificates and commemorative gifts (pure silk furoshiki) by Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs. For those residing abroad, certificates and commemorative gifts will be awarded through Ambassadors/Consul-Generals of Japan at a later date.

3. 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.

4. On this occasion, the Ministry will also hold the awarding of the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for excellent Chefs for Ambassadors/Consul-Generals of Japan, and the awarding of the long-time service awards (25-year and 35-year careers) for diplomats. A total of 14 chefs awarded the Commendations for their exceptional skills and contributions will receive the title of “Excellent Executive Chef for Ambassador/Consul-General of Japan.” The Foreign Minister’s Commendations for the chefs and the title are awarded in recognition of the significance of the chefs’ contributions to diplomatic activities and also to facilitate the recruitment of highly qualified chefs in the future.