Foreign Minister’s Commendation – The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation

On 17 September, Ambassador  Hiroshi Suzuki presented the Foreign Minister’s Commendation to the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation at the Embassy of Japan. 

Since its establishment in 1985, the Foundation has carried out a wide range of activities across diverse fields, including arts and culture, Japanese studies, Japanese language education, youth exchange and education, and sports.  

Its initiatives include grant programmes supporting projects in these areas, a scholarship programme for postgraduate students pursuing Japanese studies at UK universities, support for pioneering research in science, medicine and social issues, and engagement in tackling challenges shared by both countries. 

At the ceremony, Ambassador Suzuki highlighted the fact that this year marks the Foundation’s 40th anniversary and expressed his deep respect and gratitude for its long-standing and significant contributions to promoting mutual understanding and exchange between Japan and the United Kingdom. 

The event also featured a commemorative lecture by Paul Madden, Chair of the Foundation, reflecting on its 40-year journey, as well as remarks by Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chairman of The Nippon Foundation and Patron of the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, who travelled from Japan to join the celebration.