25 July 2011

On 25 July 2011, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced that it will be awarding Dr Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere with the Foreign Minister's Commendation for her services to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the UK.

Dr Rousmaniere was the founding Director of the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures when it was established in 1999 and is currently Research Director there. With research interests in Japanese contemporary craft expression, Japanese manga and early modern to contemporary ceramics, Dr Rousmaniere has been instrumental in furthering cultural exchange between our two nations.

The Foreign Minister's Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries.