On Saturday 14 November 2009, friends and colleagues of the much-respected scholar and teacher of Japanese Studies, Carmen Blacker, gathered together at Clare College, Cambridge to celebrate and remember her life.

Carmen Blacker, born in 1924, worked throughout her life to further understanding between Britain and Japan. One of the first foreigners to study at the prestigious Keio University in Tokyo after the Second World War, Dr Blacker went on to enjoy a long and fruitful career at the University of Cambridge, teaching and publishing her research until her retirement in 1991.

Her works, especially ¡ÆThe Japanese Enlightenment: A Study of the Writings of Fukuzawa Yukichi¡Ç (1964) and ¡ÆThe Catalpa Bow: A Study of Shamanistic Practices in Japan¡Ç (1975), contributed greatly to the understanding of Japan and its culture. In recognition of her many achievements, Dr Blacker was awarded the Order of the Precious Crown by the Japanese Government in 1988 and received an OBE in 2004.

Minister Sumio Kusaka, attending on behalf of the Embassy, expressed his deep gratitude to such an ¡Èoutstanding scholar of Japanese culture and a great friend of Japan¡É, acknowledging that ¡ÈJapan owes Carmen enormously¡É.

Indeed, Japanese Studies would not have survived at the University of Cambridge without her efforts to attract support and students. Her infectious enthusiasm for Japanese culture has inspired many of her pupils to pursue work that furthers the link between Japan and the UK.

Other distinguished guests offered words of remembrance, and messages were read out from absent friends in Japan. Interspersing the speeches were recordings of some of Dr Blacker¡Çs favourite music.

The afternoon was a warm and fitting occasion, with many fond memories shared of such an admired and valued lady.

Carmen Blacker, OBE, was born on July 13, 1924 and died on July 13, 2009, aged 85.