Ambassador’s Commendation – Pianist Motoki Hirai
2026/4/2
On 2 April, Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki awarded the Ambassador’s Commendation to pianist Mr Motoki Hirai at the Embassy of Japan.
Since 1994, Mr Hirai has undertaken numerous overseas performances as an artistic emissary dispatched by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan Foundation, making significant contributions to the promotion of Japanese culture and the strengthening of international friendship.
Furthermore, since the Great East Japan Earthquake he has held more than 50 charity concerts in support of the recovery efforts, as well as delivering numerous performances at schools in the affected areas, providing sustained support and encouragement over many years.
At the ceremony, Ambassador Suzuki highlighted Mr Hirai’s achievements, emphasising that his longstanding efforts have helped maintain awareness of and support for the affected regions not only in Japan but also in the United Kingdom and across Europe.
In response, Mr Hirai expressed his gratitude to the people who had supported his musical activities over the years—his family, friends, and colleagues—and also conveyed his appreciation and joy at receiving this honour.
Since 1994, Mr Hirai has undertaken numerous overseas performances as an artistic emissary dispatched by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan Foundation, making significant contributions to the promotion of Japanese culture and the strengthening of international friendship.
Furthermore, since the Great East Japan Earthquake he has held more than 50 charity concerts in support of the recovery efforts, as well as delivering numerous performances at schools in the affected areas, providing sustained support and encouragement over many years.
At the ceremony, Ambassador Suzuki highlighted Mr Hirai’s achievements, emphasising that his longstanding efforts have helped maintain awareness of and support for the affected regions not only in Japan but also in the United Kingdom and across Europe.
In response, Mr Hirai expressed his gratitude to the people who had supported his musical activities over the years—his family, friends, and colleagues—and also conveyed his appreciation and joy at receiving this honour.