Foreign Minister’s Commendation - Dr. Shoko Hamano

On August 16, 2023 (Japan Time), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced the recipients of the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2023. Dr. Shoko Hamano is among this year’s foreign recipients. She will receive the Commendation in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the promotion of Japanese language education in the United States of America.

Dr. Hamano has made significant contributions to Japanese language education and Japan-U.S. friendship over her more than 40-year teaching career in the United States and 30 years at George Washington University. In addition to her work as a professor, Dr. Hamano plays an active role in planning and organizing Japanese language events in the region, and has contributed to training Japanese language learners who will play a positive role in the future of Japan-U.S. relations.

Every year, the Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.