Mr Martin Barrow has for many years been a ��bridge�� between the two countries. He lived and worked in Japan for seven years in the 1970s, and his knowledge of Japan and Japanese culture have been invaluable in his roles as Vice Chairman of The Japan Society and, more recently, as an active member of the Visit Japan Campaign committee, where his positive attitude, helpful advice and ideas for the promotion of tourism to Japan have been greatly appreciated. He was recently appointed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Tokyo as Yokoso! Japan Ambassador in the UK. On receiving the award, Mr Barrow commented, ��Awards are all about team efforts, and all of us here today have worked together. The support of the Ambassador and the Embassy team for the Yokoso! Japan campaign is very much appreciated.��

Mr Martin Barrow with Ambassador Shin Ebihara

Dr Clive Bradley served The Japan Society selflessly as Treasurer for a number of years. In 2000 he became a Council member and in this capacity began participating in various meetings and activities of the Society. The following year he became the Society��s Treasurer. Dr Bradley��s dedication to his role was tested to the full in 2002 when the Society experienced a financial crisis, with its reserves being cut by a third. He dealt with the crisis with great application and tenacity and continued in his function as an unpaid and virtually full-time Treasurer of the Society until 2007. As he received the commendation, he stated, "The Ambassador's Commendation is a great honour and reflects the historic and on-going close relationship between the Embassy and The Japan Society, to which I have been able to contribute."

Dr Clive Bradley with Ambassador Ebihara

Mr Timothy Clark, Head of the Japanese Section of the British Museum, has played a pivotal part in introducing Japanese culture to the UK and to visitors from all over the world through his curatorship of various exhibitions. Particularly since the reopening of the Museum��s Japanese Galleries in 2006, Mr Clark has consistently promoted Japanese arts to great effect. His activities are not confined to the British Museum. Most recently, he curated the Kuniyoshi exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, which was very successful. His numerous writings on Japanese arts, especially on Ukiyo-e, for various publications have also helped to engender an interest in Japanese culture. As he received the commendation, Mr Clark insisted that he would like to accept it on behalf of all of his colleagues at the British Museum. This shows not only his modesty but also reflects his belief in the importance of teamwork.