Press Releases
Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2026
September 24, 2026
On October 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold the awarding ceremony of the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2026.
- This year, the Commendations will be awarded to 159 individuals and 67 groups (21 individuals and 9 groups reside in Japan, and 138 individuals and 58 groups reside overseas). Those who attend the ceremony will be presented with an award certificate and a commemorative gift (FUROSHIKI). For those residing abroad, the certificate and commemorative gift will be awarded through respective Embassy/Consulate - General of Japan at a later date.
- 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.
- On this occasion, the Ministry will also award the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for excellent chefs for Japan's missions overseas, as well as confer the long-time service awards (25-year and 35-year careers) for diplomats. A total of 22 chefs who will be awarded the Commendations for their exceptional skills and contributions will receive the title of “Excellent Executive Official Chefs for Japan's Missions Overseas.” The Foreign Minister’s Commendations for the chefs and the title will be 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.
