In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the relationship between Japan and the UK, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conferred the Foreign Minister��s Certificate of Commendation to individuals and groups who have long been making significant contributions to the improvement of bilateral relations between Japan and the UK.
On 2nd December 2008, a ceremony was held at the Ambassador's Residence on the occasion of the conferal of the Foreign Minister's Certificate of Commendation to Mr. David Farrell, Mr. Tony Rayns and Mr. Annesley Wright, for their outstanding contributions to Japan-UK relations. H.E. Ambassador Shin Ebihara presented the certificates on behalf of Minister Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Mr. David Farrell, Vice-Principal of Ballyclare Secondary School, has endeavoured over many years to promote the study of the Japanese language at secondary schools in Northern Ireland. Mr. Farrell, who spent many years in Japan, has dedicated himself to preparing the younger generation of his country to maintain and expand the relationship between the two countries, facilitating direct exchange between the youth of Japan and the UK.
Mr. David Farrell & H.E. Ambassador Shin Ebihara
The distinguished film critic Mr. Tony Rayns has introduced people in the UK and numerous other countries to the fascinating ��New Wave�� of Japanese cinema. He has helped to make Japanese cinema better-known internationally and, through the medium of film, has contributed to increasing understanding of Japan abroad. Thanks to Mr. Rayns, contemporary Japanese directors such as Kitano Takeshi have been introduced to film-lovers around the world, who are now aware that Japanese cinema is not only about masters such as Kurosawa and Mizoguchi but is continuing to evolve in an exciting and creative way.
Mr. Tony Rayns & H.E. Ambassador Shin Ebihara
Mr. Annesley Wright, Managing Director of TRB Limited, who was born in Tokyo and later spent two years in Osaka, has spent over twenty years engaged in the management of Japanese companies in the UK. With his fluent Japanese, Mr Wright has devoted himself both to supporting and assisting Japanese people living in North Wales and North West England, and to helping Japanese companies to establish themselves on sound foundations there. He has made an immeasurable contribution to the overall welfare and vitality of the Japanese community in the region.
Mr. Annesley Wright & H.E. Ambassador Shin Ebihara |
