Foreign Minister's Commendation – Ms Suzanne Hudson
2018/11/17
On 9 November 2018, Ambassador Koji Tsuruoka awarded the Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Ms Suzanne Hudson, for her considerable contribution to promoting stronger relations between Japan and the UK.
Ms Hudson’s connection with Japan began in earnest when she was assigned to Mishima High School in Shizuoka Prefecture on the Wolfers Scheme – a precursor to the JET Programme. On her return to the UK, she became the chairman of the newly-created Miura Anjin Kai, an association initially formed for young alumni of the same scheme. She co-founded the Natsu Matsuri, a grassroots event at London’s Battersea Park that aimed to expand knowledge of Japan while bringing the Anglo-Japanese community together. In 2013, Ms Hudson became a member of the Steering Committee of Japan400, an organisation created to mark the 400th anniversary of the arrival in Japan of William Adams. She has also contributed greatly to the projects and activities of the Japan Society in her role as a board member.
In her professional life, as Director for Projects and Business Development at Fujisankei Communications International, Ms Hudson has been centrally involved in a diverse range of projects, ranging from motor sports to cookery books, to music concerts and the prestigious Praemium Imperiale Arts Awards. Ambassador Tsuruoka paid tribute to Ms Hudson’s longstanding contribution to UK-Japan relations and congratulated her heartily on the award.
In her speech, Ms Hudson expressed her gratitude to all the people who inspired and encouraged her and in an engaging speech, she stressed the importance of mutual understanding in international relations. She praised the Japanese government for their long-term support of teaching programmes which have allowed young people to experience Japan. In conclusion, Ms Hudson said she looked forward to seeing ties between the UK and Japan strengthened even further.
Ms Hudson’s connection with Japan began in earnest when she was assigned to Mishima High School in Shizuoka Prefecture on the Wolfers Scheme – a precursor to the JET Programme. On her return to the UK, she became the chairman of the newly-created Miura Anjin Kai, an association initially formed for young alumni of the same scheme. She co-founded the Natsu Matsuri, a grassroots event at London’s Battersea Park that aimed to expand knowledge of Japan while bringing the Anglo-Japanese community together. In 2013, Ms Hudson became a member of the Steering Committee of Japan400, an organisation created to mark the 400th anniversary of the arrival in Japan of William Adams. She has also contributed greatly to the projects and activities of the Japan Society in her role as a board member.In her professional life, as Director for Projects and Business Development at Fujisankei Communications International, Ms Hudson has been centrally involved in a diverse range of projects, ranging from motor sports to cookery books, to music concerts and the prestigious Praemium Imperiale Arts Awards. Ambassador Tsuruoka paid tribute to Ms Hudson’s longstanding contribution to UK-Japan relations and congratulated her heartily on the award.
In her speech, Ms Hudson expressed her gratitude to all the people who inspired and encouraged her and in an engaging speech, she stressed the importance of mutual understanding in international relations. She praised the Japanese government for their long-term support of teaching programmes which have allowed young people to experience Japan. In conclusion, Ms Hudson said she looked forward to seeing ties between the UK and Japan strengthened even further.
The Embassy of Japan